Workshop Information

Writing Mindfully: Exploring the Sacred Ordinary

Using songwriting and/or creative writing and discussion, this workshop explores the idea of writing with a spiritual current, and the different ways this current is expressed. Carrie facilitates this workshop acknowledging that there is great value in an ordinary life, lived extraordinarily well, that there is power and healing in the telling of a story, as well as encouraging the use of our unique voices. In a supportive and nurturing environment Carrie gives students new practical tools for creating more exciting and effective songs while encouraging them to "push their edges" and to reach inside themselves and into the world little further and a little deeper.

This workshop can be tailored to accommodate differing time lengths, from two hour focused experiences to five-day in depth classes.

When The Soul's Great Joy Meets The World's Great Need: Exploration of Faith and Vocation, Activism and Art

Carrie holds dear the Quaker saying, "let your life speak." Using music, reflection, written exercises, discussion, and Quaker clearness method, Carrie explores the idea that how we walk this life does make a difference, that every individual has unique and valuable gifts, and that our work is more effective the more authentic our lives.

This workshop can be modified to focus on the questions of those considering a vocation in the arts, for programs exploring vocational reflection and programs that are exploring effective ways of expressing faith in action.

Concert/Workshop Combination

Carrie offers a combination workshop/ concert format. She can facilitate a variety of workshops and later in the evening offer a performance that has delighted and comforted audiences across the USA and Europe.

Participants Have The Opportunity To:

• Engage in thoughtful dialogue about living mindfully and the presence of the sacred in their daily lives
• Honor their personal story and develop a unique creative voice
• Develop a writing practice
• Gain hands-on writing experience with a nationally respected songwriter
• Work in an atmosphere that is safe, positive and encouraging
• Expand knowledge of song structure and form
• Explore vocation, activism and art
• Work at their own skill levels

A Few Locations Where Carrie Has Facilitated Workshops

• The Old Town School of Folk Music
• Passim School of Music
• Harvard University
• Dartmouth College
• Calvin College, Festival of Faith and Writing
• Antioch Writer’s Workshop
• Pendle Hill
• Emory University, Youth Theological Initiative
• Dennison College, Quest Program
• Goshen College
• Eastern Mennonite University
• Duke University Writer’s Workshop
• Concordia College
• Earlham College
• Guilford College
• Gustavus Adolphus College
• Furman University
• St. Norbert’s College
• St. Andrews Church, Highland Hieghts, Colorado
• Dream On Sisters National Women’s Conference (UCC & Diciples of Christ )
• The Festival of Faiths
• Point Park School for the Arts
• Grunewald Guild
• Project Jericho (Youth at Risk Program)
• Indiana Women’s Correctional Facility
• Davidson College
• Macalester College
• United Seminary
• Lutheran Seminary
• Christian Theological Seminary

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