Writing The Journey - Reflective Writing Course with Dan Simpson

As we move through Autumn towards the intimacy and depth of Winter - after a difficult, challenging year and a half - many of us will be seeking out space for reflection and renewal.

Reflecting on a transformational experience he had last year, Dan writes:  “A fellow ‘psychonaut’ once said to me as we were tripping together - “Words are silly”. As a poet, whose primary trade is in both written and spoken word, I know how silly words can be – and how powerful. Holding these two simultaneously existing beliefs at the same time, we may be able to use language to better tell our own stories. As we heighten our understanding of the universe and ourselves through psychedelics, poetry is the substance of heightened language.

Alongside poetry, an established method of understanding our inner lives and the world – of processing experience – is through journaling. Using more than 10 years’ experience of delivering creative writing workshops (including in wellbeing settings), Dan has devised this course for the Psychedelic Society to nurture our minds and spark our imaginations through the power of writing. In this fourth iteration of the course, we will reflect, write, and share over five weeks - allowing for deep exploration and time together.

It will be an ideal opportunity to explore the power of language as a tool to support a period of change and transformation, or to reflect on one’s life journey more broadly - using poetry, journaling, and life-writing techniques.

What to expect:

• Stimulating guided writing prompts and exercises 
• Exploring stream-of-consciousness writing 
• Using metaphorical language as a way to truth
• Time for breathing, connection, and self reflection 
• No-pressure sharing back to the group

5-week course dates:  17th, 24th, 31st Oct, 7th, 14th Nov.

SPEAKER PROFILE: Dan Simpson

Dan Simpson is a writer, performer, producer, and educator. He makes highly engaging and contemporary work that is entertaining, intelligent, and thought-provoking. His subjects include science and technology; history and place; art and culture; people and poetry.

An accomplished educator, Dan is an enthusiastic, insightful, and adaptable workshop leader. He convenes and lectures on the 'Writing for the Spoken Word' module at Canterbury Christ Church University, and delivers primary and secondary school classes around the U.K. - including work for First Story, Barbican Centre, and Apples and Snakes. He also runs both creative writing and professional development sessions for adults.

Dan has been Poet-in-Residence at Glastonbury Festival, Imperial College, St Albans Cathedral, and National Trust Stowe. His two collections of poetry are Applied Mathematics and Totally Cultured (Burning Eye Books), and he has been commissioned by Southbank Centre, Free Word, and Reading University. Dan has performed around the world including at Glastonbury Festival, Chicago’s Uptown Poetry Slam, Sofar Sounds Auckland, and on the BBC.

Please email  mags@psychedelicsociety.org.uk with any questions.

Sessions are not recorded so that we can provide a safe and intimate environment for all participants. If you are unable to attend one week, Dan can provide exercises and materials over email so you don't need to worry about missing out.

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website. 

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