Poetry & Practice: Truth-telling and the Practice of Mindfulness

“The moment we give close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”

Henry Miller

By closely attending to each moment of your life, you meet it honestly. This close attending is where mindfulness practice can help—with the clear seeing, and the bravery it takes to stay with what arises and live from whatever you may find.

But how can you take up the pen to describe what you find in the moments of your life without losing the immediacy and mystery of direct experience? One way is to learn to recognize and tell the truth. Caribbean-American poet and activist June Jordan says that “the first function of poetry is to tell the truth, to learn how to do that, to find out what you really feel and what you really think.”

In this 4-week online workshop, we will practice to recognize within our body, mind, and heart what feels true, then offer that truth as poetry. No experience with meditation or poetry is required; you don’t even have to like poetry to participate. The only thing you must bring is a childlike willingness to explore, wonder, and engage with each other and the written word.

The poetry writing will begin before we ever meet, with the co-creation of a poem via email. Once together, we will use this collective expression as an entry point into further exploration of what it means to recognize your truth and express it as only you can. You will leave the workshop having contributed to group poems, and having drafted poetry on your own, sharing it at our sessions, if you choose.

Beyond the workshop, you will have the opportunity to stay in touch with the others who participate in this unique experience of poetry and practice.

This workshop will be taught by Rebecca Eldridge.

Required technology and preparation:

  • High-speed internet connection

  • Please, no phones

  • Join on a computer that has a full-sized screen on which you can see at least 25 Zoom participants, without having to scroll

  • Ensure that your computer is situated on a stable surface (instead of resting on your lap, etc.)

  • Video and microphone capability (so that you can be seen and heard)

  • A place for practice that allows for being undisturbed

  • Current version of Zoom installed

  • Writing materials of your choosing

  • Meditation practice supplies (for example, a cushion to sit on and a yoga mat)

This workshop is limited to 25 participants

Course Schedule Course Cost Register

Note: all times shown are in US Eastern Time.

Dates Times
Class 1:
Sunday,
Oct. 6 		1:30-3:30PM
Class 2:
Sunday,
Oct. 13 		1:30-3:30PM
Class 3:
Sunday,
Oct. 20 		1:30-3:30PM
Class 4:
Sunday,
Oct. 27 		1:30-3:30PM

We have created a sliding scale to accommodate more people. Generosity policy applies—to cover business costs, and to ensure adequate compensation for the instructor, please use your own wisdom to determine the level that applies to your personal situation.

TIER 1: US$550

TIER 2: US$450

TIER 3: US$375

From the pulldown menu, please select the level of payment that applies to your situation, and complete your registration using either a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.

You do not need a PayPal account in order to use your credit card to make your payment.


If you receive the "Item Sold Out" message during registration, it means that the class is full. You may request to be placed on a waiting list by sending an email to info@eastcoastmindfulness.com (please include your name and phone number). You will be contacted if an opening becomes available and can register at that time.

Once you have paid, your slot is reserved.

  • Course Schedule

    Note: all times shown are in US Eastern Time.

    Dates Times
    Class 1:
    Sunday,
    Oct. 6     		1:30-3:30PM
    Class 2:
    Sunday,
    Oct. 13     		1:30-3:30PM
    Class 3:
    Sunday,
    Oct. 20     		1:30-3:30PM
    Class 4:
    Sunday,
    Oct. 27     		1:30-3:30PM
  • Course Cost

    We have created a sliding scale to accommodate more people. Generosity policy applies—to cover business costs, and to ensure adequate compensation for the instructor, please use your own wisdom to determine the level that applies to your personal situation.

    TIER 1: US$550

    TIER 2: US$450

    TIER 3: US$375

  • Register

    From the pulldown menu, please select the level of payment that applies to your situation, and complete your registration using either a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.

    You do not need a PayPal account in order to use your credit card to make your payment.


    If you receive the "Item Sold Out" message during registration, it means that the class is full. You may request to be placed on a waiting list by sending an email to info@eastcoastmindfulness.com (please include your name and phone number). You will be contacted if an opening becomes available and can register at that time.

    Once you have paid, your slot is reserved.

REFUND POLICY:
You may receive a full refund if you notify us via email (info@eastcoastmindfulness.com) before October 17 (this will give us time to notify anyone on the waitlist). No refunds will be granted thereafter.

Questions? Please email us at info@eastcoastmindfulness.com

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Questions? Contact us!