FAQ: Why Yoga and Writing Together?

Writing in the context of a yoga workshop can be a good way to start writing - or, if you are already a writer, it may help you tap into a new depth.  Writing within the “container” of a facilitated group provides guidance to get you writing and to quiet the inner critic, allowing you to write more freely and openly. It’s a safe, supportive space to explore, try new approaches, and build confidence, helping you continue writing at home with ease and inspiration.

Here are some FAQs about Yoga and Writing Workshops:

A Yoga and Writing workshop? What sort of writing will be involved? Will I be judged on the writing?

The terms used to describe writing for wellbeing can be rather confusing as there are a lot of blurred lines and overlap in the way people use them. Some of the types of writing we might use include: freewriting; expressive writing; journaling; life writing; therapeutic writing; reflective writing and biblio-poetry. The emphasis in my workshops is on the process of writing more freely, rather than the craft or product. This is not a creative writing workshop: the focus is on writing for self-expression and personal exploration rather than for an audience.

Practically, the writing occurs in-between the yoga sessions and is in short, bursts. Initially perhaps just 5 or 6 minutes or so. Spelling, grammar, and structure are not important—this writing isn’t meant to be polished for an audience; it’s a tool for self-expression.  You will be writing purely for yourself. You’ll receive writing topics or prompts to get you going, but then you write freely, wherever the writing takes you. The goal is to write continuously, whether it’s a continuous flow, a list of words, (even doodles), or phrases or the prompt repeated until something flows.

What benefits can I expect from doing the writing exercises and will I feel better after doing it?

Writing helps us explore our thoughts, emotions, feelings, relationships, life stories, dreams, hopes, fears, and aspirations. It supports us in making sense of experiences, overcoming fear and trauma, creating change, finding our true voice, and understanding ourselves better.

Since this is a Yoga and Writing workshop, writing is just one part of what we do. The workshops offer a gentle introduction to writing for wellbeing, and it's best not to have any expectations from the writing initially, as it may take time to flow. Writing, like any pattern of movement needs to be practiced and like a muscle, needs to be built. However, you may be pleasantly surprised by immediate results. You might experience a sense of release, clarity, surprise, joy, or even exhaustion after expressive writing, depending on what emotions or thoughts surface.

While writing can be cathartic, you will be guided to keep things manageable and safe, and it’s important to take everything at a pace that feels right for you. If you have a history of trauma or are dealing with significant issues in your life right now, please contact me before booking a workshop so we can ensure it's the best environment for you to explore these matters at this time.

Is there some proof behind these benefits? Is there any science?

Research has consistently shown that writing has numerous mental and physical health benefits. Writing can help reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance physical health by strengthening the immune system. Writing allows individuals to organize their thoughts, which can make overwhelming feelings more manageable, and fosters reflection that promotes personal growth and emotional resilience.

Further Reading and References:

BBC Article on the Healing Power of Writing

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399922002720

James Pennebaker's Work: Dr. Pennebaker is a leading researcher in expressive writing. In his book Expressive Writing: Words That Heal, co-authored with John Evans, he explores how writing about emotional experiences can lead to improved health outcomes. His research found that expressive writing has long-term benefits, including reduced stress, better emotional processing, and enhanced immune function. 

Pennebaker (1997): In a seminal article published in Psychological Science, Pennebaker demonstrated how writing about emotional or traumatic experiences can improve both physical and mental health. His research showed that expressive writing boosts immune function and lowers stress, with long-lasting effects. Pennebaker's Research on Expressive Writing and Well-being

Pennebaker & Chung (2011): In the Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology, Pennebaker and Chung delve into the physical and mental health benefits of expressive writing. Their findings show that people who engage in this practice exhibit better coping mechanisms, lower stress levels, and improved overall well-being.

Koschwanez et al. (2013): A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine demonstrated that expressive writing can even promote faster wound healing. Older adults who wrote about stressful experiences healed more quickly compared to those who did not, highlighting the connection between emotional expression and physical recovery. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23804013/

Baikie, K.A., & Wilhelm, K. (2005)

Title: Emotional and Physical Health Benefits of Expressive Writing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of the health benefits of expressive writing, particularly its positive effects on mental health, stress reduction, and immune function. It also explores how expressive writing can be used in clinical settings to help patients with depression and anxiety.

Ok...so it's good for me to write. Where does yoga and meditation fit in?  

Yoga complements the writing aspect beautifully. It prepares your body and mind by helping you to become more grounded, relaxed, and focused. When you do yoga, you become more embodied and present. Writing from a place of stillness, with embodied awareness, can unlock a depth and authenticity in your words that may not have been accessible before. While the primary goal of the workshop is not to produce polished writing, you may find that the material you create is worth developing further.

The workshops are a gentle introduction to writing for wellbeing. If you are already a creative writer, then the combination of yoga and writing may prompt a new experience of writing from a more embodied sense or from a place of stillness.

Writing can also be a tool to enhance your yoga practice. Repetitive thoughts which may come up in your meditation practice can be put down on paper helping you to process repetitive patterns and clear your mind for a more profound meditation experience. Similarly, translating the physical sensations and mental responses experienced during yoga into writing can deepen your understanding of both your body and mind, enriching your yoga practice and daily life.

What sort of yoga and meditation do we do in the workshops?

The yoga sessions are gentle, slow and mindful. We use the intelligence of the body to inform the movement so that we ensure the postures fit around our bodies, rather than try contorting the body into a posture! You’ll engage in yoga asanas (postures/movements), breathing exercises, accessible guided meditation (don’t worry if sitting still isn’t your strength), and/or Yoga Nidra for deep relaxation. Each practice is introduced in stages, allowing you to explore them at your own pace and comfort level.

Is this something I can carry on with at home, on my own?

Yes! The workshop will include some discussion and tips on how to incorporate writing into your life on a regular basis and how to support any existing yoga and meditation practice you have with the writing. If you are already an established writer there will be guidance on how the yoga can support your writing at home and work too.

How can I experience a Yoga and Writing for Wellbeing workshop?

You can book into an in-person workshop through my website or register your interest in an online workshop if that suits you better. If you are not signed up to my mailing list already, then please do that to receive information of upcoming workshops both in-person and online. (You will also get access to a free audio Yoga Nidra deep relaxation when you sign up).

Book a workshop

Sign up to my mailing list

Register interest in online workshops