Mindful Writing: Creating What We See with William J. Macauley, Jr.

This is a 4-meeting virtual class using the Zoom platform.

Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, and 28 - 6-7:30 pm Central time.

About this class: Pema Chödrön, in Start Where You Are, advises: “Write less; don’t try to capture it all on paper. Sometimes writing... is like trying to catch something and nail it down” (33). Odd advice from a prolific mindfulness teacher—until you realize her emphasis is on direct experience, presence, and awe. She urges us to stay with the moment, not rush to trap it in words.

This class takes that to heart. It centers on presence in writing—being aware of what’s happening as we write, not just what we’re writing about. We’ll explore both mindfulness as a subject and writing as a mindful act, paying attention to the process as much as the content.

Participants will build skills in critical thinking, active and internal listening, empathy, compassion, creativity, and mindfulness. They’ll learn to stay present and write thoughtfully—working at the intersection of awareness and expression.

Skills Acquired: Mindfulness, Internal Listening, Written Expression, Originality, Fluency of Ideas, Empathy, Cognitive Flexibility

Please note: This class will be held live on Zoom during the dates and time listed above. If you can’t attend a session or if the time doesn’t work for you, a password-protected course page will host video recordings for registered participants to watch at their convenience.

Instructor bio: Dr. William (Bill) Macauley has taught college-level English since 1987, and has directed writing programs and writing centers in a wide range of academic settings. His career reflects a deep commitment to helping writers find authenticity and purpose in their work. In recent years, his teaching has focused on the intersection of writing and mindfulness, guiding students to be fully present in their creative process and to see growth, reflection, and expression as measures of success beyond publication or productivity.

Sponsored By: