Ana Johnson
Photo by Bryce Murdoch
Live Online Writing Workshop Series by Ana Johnson, Ph.D.
Live virtual writing workshop series every other Thursday, 3-4:30 PM Eastern time.
Six Sessions: October 8, 22, November 5, 19, December 3, 17, 2026.
Join all six sessions, or one at a time.
Online Writing Workshop
Whether you are an emerging writer or seasoned and interested in writing prose, poetry, even academic writing, or if you are curious about these sessions or writing, journaling, this group is for you. We meet virtually, write together, bring in mindfulness and body movement (qigong) to inspire the writing and creativity.
In these sessions, tap into who you are and who you would like to be. Create your own life before your eyes - visualize, paint, draw, dance, journal, write! Explore the unconscious to live life to the fullest.
Welcome into my living room for these sesssions!
Methodology
The sesssions are organized around elements of mindfulness: breath, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. We access mindfulness through our senses: hear, smell, touch/sensation, see, taste.
Photo by Bryce Murdoch
Workshop Format
Guided prompts for creativity, body awareness designed to unlock deep creative expression: when we feel safe, present and grounded, we can deeply access our creativity.
Writing
We seek to be aware of our sensations before thought. In doing so, we can cultivate self-trust to feed our creativity, synchronizing internal and external awareness.
Before language
In times before language, before writing, we were aware of our bodies and emotions, the moon, planets, sky and surroundings. Let's access that primordial space!
What to bring
Bring yourselves, ready to explore your deep creativity in your own away - whether with paint, crayons, coloured pens, paper, flowing clothes for dancing, or paper for journaling, writing!
Community
Optional opportunities to show your creative work or read any journaling or writing aloud, share insights or reflect on your creative process in a supportive space.
Where
Zoom:
See below for information
Session 1
We just had our first session - making a connection between our inner selves and the exterior surroundings and the environment.
Optional homework (Session 1)
- Ponder (meditate), deep breaths to the belly, do nothing or write in a journal, or paint, draw, dance, walk for 3 to 15 minutes at least once (noticing any impressions, thoughts, sensations as passing clouds) before we meet again. Click here for more details on homework/home practice.
Optional Homework (Session 1 Part 2):
- See if you remember, paint, draw, journal a dream you may have had. If you don't remember it, it's ok, be aware of any thoughts, emotions.
Optional Homework (Session 1 Part 3):
Feel free to share any impressions at the next session.
Cost
The sessions have started. In order to join for single sessions please contact me at apj.ajohnson@gmail.com for a pro-rated price. Once payment is made, you will receive the zoom information and passcode for the session(s).
Methods of payment:
E-transfer: apj.ajohnson@gmail.com
OR
Payment through PayPal (processing fee: 2.5% plus CAN$0.30)
Inspired by:
Mindfulness, Qigong, Sense Writing (sensewriting.org), and prompts from Stephen Guppy's "Writing and Workshopping Poetry" and Gregory Orr's "A Primer for Poets and Readers of Poetry".
Cohen KS. The Way of QiGong. The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing. New York, NY: Wellspring/Ballantine, 1999.
Guppy S. Writing and Workshopping Poetry. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press, 2016.
Orr G. A Primer for Poets and Readers of Poetry. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company. 2018.
All photographs (unless otherwise indicated) by Ana Johnson
Contact:
Let me know if you are interested, or simply show up!
Looking forward to seeing you there!