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queer spirit: writing the sacred: a workshop

Writing the Sacred is a poem-making and journal writing workshop. In this workshop Ray McGinnis draws on a splendid range of poetry and expertly guides you to give voice to your own longings for an expanded way of being yourself in the world and with others. Whether you are a seasoned writer or have never put pen to paper, you'll be expertly guided, step-by-step, to a place where you'll emerge with your own new spiritual poetry and journal reflections. Together we will hearing poems read, take time to write, talk and optionally share our writing. You will emerge with an expanded appreciation of your own capacity to creatively express yourself through writing and to witness other brave souls on a journey. You'll leave with tools for how to use creative writing and poem-making as a companion to honor and celebrate your own queer spirit. Q SaltLake Article READ MORE>>

Ray McGinnis is a poet and began writing in journals as part of his coming out process in his youth. He has taught over 7,000 people how to write prayers, poetry, and autobiographies, all the while guiding them to bring their whole heart, mind, and spirit to the process. He has taught in many different settings including within the queer community, HIV/AIDS service providers, libraries, retreat settings, conferences, churches, buddhist retreat centers, inter-faith groups, business groups, government agencies, bereavement groups, hospitals and colleges. For more information about his workshop tour visit: http://www.writetotheheart.com

"Thank you for giving us each permission and encouragement to write with authenticity, to speak our truths, to tell our stories through poetry and journal entries."
Leonard, Gay & Lesbian (GLBT) Resource Center, Vancouver, British Columbia

"This was THE most spiritually honest, open-hearted, accessible workshop I think I have ever attended."
- Linda, participant, Ross, California

"Ray McGinnis has a finely tuned meaning for the deep meaning of the Psalms. As a veteran workshop leader he has a knack for drawingfor drawing out bursts of imagination out of people that may not know they had it in them..."
- Douglas Todd, Spirituality and Ethics writer, Vancouver Sun, Vancouver, British Columbia

"Writing the Sacred is rich with insight, power and meaning. Ray McGinnis gives us a great gift by showing the Psalms to be a living language, a poetic language vital for today. These pages are permeated with our human story - our raw and beautiful longing for God... (and) acts as a healing balm and creative catalyst to help you reclaim your soul's voice."
- John Fox, author of Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making, Mountain View, California

"It was wonderful to have you come and offer your workshop which I have heard nothing but enthusiastic comments about from those who attended."
- Linna Thomas, Coalesce Book Store & More, Morro Bay, Califorina

"Writing the Sacred is a beautiful invitation for the reader to reclaim the depth and meaning of how the Psalms can meet us in all our humanness. McGinnis breaks open the imagination and spirituality of psalm writing by showing how we can all live and write from the depths of our whole beings. We are beckoned to both honor and articulate our soulful ness through the aliveness of language."
- Dr. Celeste N. Snowber, Assistant Professor, faculty of Education, Dance Department, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia

"I have valued and appreciated the sacred honouring of each person, their wisdom, and the value of their journey. I valued the openness and flexibility of Ray and the spiritual reverence with which he guided us. He has a wonderful healing and calming presence that creates a safe atmosphere for people to explore."
- Anin Uttegaard, President, International Expressive Arts & Therapy Association, SanFrancisco, California

"The workshop gave me the chance to reflect on aspects of my life and think about future directions in a gentle and creative manner. The act of writing down my feelings and answers to the questions that were posed to the group, allowed me to delve deeper than I would have in a discussion. It has been eight months since the seminar and I still refer back to my journal from that weekend. Ray is a skilled and approachable facilitator. I highly recommend his workshops."
- Leslie A. Goldgehn, Ph. D., Berkley, California

Signed copies of Writing the Sacred will also be available for purchase at this workshop for $20, cash or cheque. READ MORE ABOUT THE BOOK>>