“When I was down in dumbfound-land, you met me as if my miracle and invited me to write. That invitation, both at USC and later at InsightLA, made worlds of difference which I could safely inhabit which again, as if by miracle, reminded me of the differences and similarities that bind us all. And so I realized I could write my way to life. Again and again. Which meant I could survive and even one day thrive.”
— Lanita Jacobs Associate Professor Department of American Studies & Ethnicity University of Southern California
“I recently sent these remarks regarding our group to a friend. They’re self-explanatory. I’m sharing them with you (Amy) as a thank you for the work you do….This is a list of four things the group has done for me. As a reminder, I’ve been in the (Mindful Writing) group since October 2016.
Confidence in my writing….
A sense of being seen for who I am. I’ve been embraced in our group in ways I have never been before. This sense of acceptance has allowed me to explore ideas as a writer. It’s also enabled me to carry a sense of “who I am” beyond our meetings and into my everyday life.
An opportunity to see I am not alone in my anxieties. It’s a gift to listen to what others in our group have to say. I am trusted with deep and highly private feelings by strangers; now in some cases friends. Sitting with the group has helped me feel more connected to humans as humans and not like in the other roles we play in life.
I’ve learned to bear witness to the feelings of others. Like a therapist, our group “holds a space” for its participants. I am not there to judge or fix what is presented. I am not there to intellectualize it; compete with it; to make sure others hear what I have to say about it; or to draw attention to myself and my needs. I am only there to be an open and willing audience to what an author has to say. ”
— Writing Instructor - CSU
“It was a true gift to take Amy’s writing classes. She is truly a gifted and generous teacher. Her style is steeped in years of literary knowledge and bathed in mindful presence. She weaves mindful writing practices, with wonderful literary quotes and a depth of experience to enhance your inner muse. She embodies a rich tradition of passing on wisdom and experience to those lucky enough to take the opportunity to take her classes which will spark your own inner wisdom, creativity and imagination to write from a truly authentic place. Amy’s classes stimulated my inner creativity, imagination and brought out a more authentic voice.. She has a way of drawing you deep within to a place of stillness and a well of creativity. She is a master teacher. I loved her classes!”
