Susan's Approach
WE ALL HAVE OUR FEET IN THE SAME RIVER
I’m a little different from most writing teachers, because I always write and share with my students. I often say, “We all have our feet in the same river.” To me, that means we’re all in this human experience together, and we all have something to teach and learn from each other. Sharing our stories helps us feel connected. Regardless of how different we might feel from the rest of the pack, we all want pretty much the same things: to love and be loved, to have our lives matter, to feel at peace with ourselves. I have my feet in the same river as you do. I am part of your circle. That’s why I write with you, every time.
THE MEDICINE WHEEL IS AT THE HEART OF ALL WE DO
The Medicine Wheel, also called the Four Directions or the Four Shields of Human Nature, is at the heart of all our writing programs. I learned about this on my first vision fast more than 20 years ago, and it immediately resonated with me as a simple, yet profound tool to deepen the questions I had for my life. When I brought these teachings back to my students, we found it to be an invaluable tool for writing about our lives. And so it remains at the heart of all we do.
LISTENING FROM A PLACE OF EMPOWERMENT
When you write in circle with me, you’ll hear your story three times: once through your pen when you write it down, once through your voice when you read it out loud (if you choose), and once more when others reflect your story back to help you find meaning and wisdom in your own words. We do this by practicing the old ways of deep listening and mirroring. This kind of non-judgmental listening comes from a place of illumination and empowerment. It’s very different from critique, and very different from conversation. It’s a practice we’re always working to refine, and I’ll teach you how to do it.
A VERY POWERFUL PRACTICE
And yes, you’ll find a little drumming and smudging at the beginning of most circles. These are tools to help us come in off the street, let go of daily life, and drop down into that place inside where we can listen to the truth about ourselves. Everything is designed to help you bring your inner life out onto the page where you can see it, hear it, feel it, and take action on it if you wish. This is a very powerful practice.
A Word From Susan’s Students
You have helped me so much over the years to carve out a place in my life for peace, reflection, calm, and introspection. I get very caught up in my day-to-day life, but the time I spend with you confirms there is another way to live. You are a very, very special person. You have guided me through some beautiful changes, and that is a very generous gift.
Rozann Grunig, Edmonds, WA
What a great weekend, Susan. Your magic never ceases to amaze and delight me. Your ability to create an atmosphere where I feel warmly nurtured and safe allows for stories I didn’t know I had to flow freely. Each workshop I attend with you inspires me and allows me to deepen as a writer. Some of my best writing has come from your workshops and retreats. You are a true story whisperer.
Patresa Zwerling, Santa Rosa, CA
What a treat it was to sit in your circle last Saturday. You are an amazing woman. You create such a wonderful place to create and inspire and share. I am in awe of how you can remember what we each wrote. I loved that my first experience was in a small intimate gathering, where I had no feelings of overwhelming shyness. I so look forward to sitting each week with you and the group. Thank you for being you and sharing who you are.
Ani Nisson, Occidental, CA
Thank you for creating a space for women to gather and tell their stories. I am amazed at the culture you create, and the loving container you hold for me and each woman in the circle. I am filled with love.
Kathryn Jurik, Santa Rosa, CA
You are the answer to a writer’s prayer. You create a safe space that encourages the magic of the story within to become the shared written word. You helped me begin my writing journey years ago; and because of you, I am now finishing my first book and have been published in several anthologies. Most of all, my creative heart is happy because I’m expressing. Your insights and kindness fan the spark of genius within each one of us.
Venus Maher, Santa Rosa, CA