Susan Sontag used the phrase “writing as a wisdom project” when commenting on writing autobiography as an occasion for deep self-study.
A Writing As A Wisdom Project retreat expands from this idea—combining meditation in the Zen tradition with the practice of imaginative writing to invite intimate and creative study of the mind.
Engaging playfully with language, we write together from prompts and read aloud, listen, and respond to one another’s words.
Our writings and responses are explorations, and our conversations are based in imaginative insight rather than craft or critique.
The practice is appropriate for participants at any level of literary or meditation experience. Meditation guidance will be offered as needed.
Catherine Gammon is a writer and Soto Zen priest, ordained in 2005 by Tenshin Reb Anderson of San Francisco Zen Center, where she trained for twelve years. Catherine’s newest novel is The Martyrs, The Lovers, and her story collection The Gunman and the Carnival is out this year from Baobab Press. Her previous novels are China Blue, Sorrow, and Isabel Out of the Rain. Before beginning training at SFZC, Catherine taught at the University of Pittsburgh through the 1990s, and she lives again in Pittsburgh.
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Some enthusiastic words from past participants —
“This writing workshop helped heal my relationship to writing. In this space, there was no need for judgment, criticism, or comparing. Catherine created a beautifully playful, loving space, and encouraged us to have fun, to be vulnerable, and to trust ourselves. We had the chance to sit zazen, to do generative creative writing exercises, and to share our writing as a group. I’m so grateful to Catherine for offering this gift!” – Victory Matsui, Brooklyn Zen Center
“Wisdom, intimacy, deep silence, new creative directions. This is my experience of Writing as a Wisdom Project.” – Michael Elsmere, Dancing Mountains, U.K.
“Catherine creates an atmosphere of safety and risk, compassion and non-judgment, creativity and light. Each time I have participated in one of her workshops, I’ve felt the mystery and wonder that are at the heart of both writing and Zen. Sharing my own joys and sorrows, listening to those of others, I’ve experienced the healing nature of the written word come to life. This is a writing workshop that breathes, a Zen workshop that talks! It’s a glorious combination.” – Alisa Malinovich, Brooklyn Zen Center
Currently offered only in person in Pittsburgh, PA, Writing as a Wisdom Project can be a workshop and/or a retreat depending on the schedule and venue. Catherine has offered this practice at various locations in the UK, and at Brooklyn Zen Center, Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, Stillpoint Zen Community in Pittsburgh, Zen Center of Pittsburgh, Empty Hand Zen Center (New Rochelle, NY), North Shore Zen Center (Beverly, MA), Marblehead Zen Center (when NSZC was still in Marblehead), and the North Truro Public Library.
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