Unraveling the Mother Knot: Writing as a Pathway to Explore and Heal That Primal Bond

The bond between mothers and their children — whether severed, fraught, intact, or cherished — is one of the most complex and significant relationships we have in life. Whether you’re a mother, a daughter, or a son, this transformative writing workshop will utilize creative exercises, guided meditation, and evocative writing prompts to lead you to a deeper understanding of this most primal of relationships. Shared story and deep listening will be our gateway to celebrate, grieve, and reconcile our relationships with our mothers — or our mothering. 

In our days together, we’ll explore how bonds with our mothers and children change across the lifecycle, identify moments those relationships changed irrevocably, unravel the costs and benefits of caregiving, and learn how storytelling can evoke emotion, clarity, healing, and insight. 

You’ll learn to “find the story beneath the story,” why writers need to “slow down where it hurts,” and the secret of crafting tales rooted in the immediacy of the moment. As we alternate periods of writing with listening to each other from a place of deep acceptance, you’ll benefit from the strength of a supportive writing circle, witness the healing power of language, and experience the transformation that occurs when we tell true stories and are deeply heard.

In this class we will use…

• Evocative writing prompts will open the doorway to memory, story, and insight
• Deep listening will build community and create a safe community for healing, growth and discovery
• Shared storytelling will provide a gateway to celebrate, grieve and reconcile your relationship with your mother–or your mothering

Open to anyone willing to use words to explore the mother bond and their creativity in a safe, confidential community: mothers, daughters, mother-daughter pairs, and sons. Emerging and seasoned writers are welcome to attend.

We will be joined by guest faculty Evelyn Hall. Evelyn is a social worker, master hypnotherapist, and minister. For the past 35 years, Evelyn has been guiding individuals and leading groups, helping people find healing in body, mind, and spirit. Evelyn specializes in transformative healing practices including somatic awareness, movement, meditation, healing through nature, and leading sacred ceremonies. 

Recommended reading: The Burning Light of Two Stars: A Mother-Daughter Story, by Laura Davis.