your body must be heard
listening for the songs of your self
a workshop for hearing the songs of the body & writing them deeply
with Arya Samuelson
Meets 12 — 3 PM Central via Zoom for two consecutive Saturdays February 25 & March 4, 2023
“I, too, overflow; my desires have invented new desires, my body knows unheard-of songs… Write your self. Your body must be heard.”
why writing the body?
Our bodies are made of stories. Heat. Sensation. Illness. Spasms. Tears. Even in numbness or dissociation, the body sings to us—if only we’ll listen. In this two-part class, we will explore the body as the central site of memory, meaning-making, and transformation. In the first class, we’ll explore how to tap into the body’s language and unearth its stories through meditations, in-class writing, and ample sharing. You’ll gain new insights about the histories written on your body and their songs, as well as a short assignment for the week. In the second class, we will study the craft of short readings that use body as the “skeleton” for a story—an organizing frame that coheres a narrative. Drawing inspiration from these readings, we will begin to write stories that animate the body as a narrative device. You’ll leave class with the beginning of a new writing composition that is complex, compelling, and swells with possibilities.
what kind of writer should take this course?
Writing the Body is for everyone! No matter how connected or disconnected you feel from your body, or whether this is your thousandth writing workshop or your very first, this class will help you tap into your embodied wisdom and discover new stories waiting to be told.
what are the requirements?
This class is for all curious minds and bodies. Simply bring yourself to the first class and feel free to make yourself comfy with pillows, warm beverages, and other comforts. In the first class, we will discuss writing the body, drop into a somatic meditation, do a ton of in-class writing, and share with each other. You’ll receive a brief assignment and several short readings for the week ahead. During the second class, we will discuss the readings, generate new writing, and share the beginnings of the stories we’ve written. You’ll receive live “on the spot” feedback from Arya and the rest of the group to help you locate the moments of resonance and opportunities for expanding your story beyond class.
how does this remote class work?
We will meet on Zoom at a link that you will be emailed prior to the start of class.
what will writers take away?
The start of a new essay, story, poem, or hybrid work
Deeper connection with the embodied wisdom that lives inside you
New insights about the histories written on your body
Inspiration from published authors
Portals and processes to access new fountains of creativity
A supportive community of fellow writers with whom you will co-create
Brief individualized discussion of your work
Guidance from a seasoned instructor and reflections on your writing
who is the teacher?
This course is led Arya Samuelson, the winner of the CutBank’s Montana Prize in Non-Fiction awarded by Cheryl Strayed. Her work has also been published in Bellevue Literary Review, Columbia Journal, New Delta Review, Entropy, The Millions, The Manifest-Station, and elsewhere. She is a proud graduate of the MFA in Creative Writing Program from Mills College and has been studying at Lidia Yuknavitch’s school of Corporeal Writing since 2017. She teaches with LitReactor, Pioneer Valley Writers Workshop, Writers in Progress, and through her own teaching series, Writing as Ritual. Arya writes across all genres and is currently working on a novel. Her website is www.aryasamuelson.com.
what is the cost?
Elephant Rock tuition for this two-part course is $179 (nonrefundable) Under normal circumstances, full payment is due at least 15 days before the workshop begins. Extended payment plans may be available in cases of severe economic hardship. Please send an email to Elephant Rock to inquire.
from past attendees:
“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this class. Writing from the body is something I’ve thought about and practiced in rather abstract ways for a while, but very much on my own. It was so nice to land in a space where other people are thinking about these threads and feel affirmed that this is a rich way to tell stories”.
“Arya was masterful in managing to guide us into a quiet space in which to observe our body. I would not have believed I could do body work over zoom, but she made it possible. Her portals (prompts) and feedback created a magical space for our writing”.
“I’ve taken classes with Arya in the past and every single time I’ve worked with her I’ve been amazed by the insights I draw about my writing and myself. Arya creates a space where you feel safe and empowered to share your truth and your art. It’s really rare and special and consistently stimulates thought-provoking, memorable, constructive conversations”.
how do I sign up?
please click below to complete course registration and payment: