Yoga as the Writer's Muse - Jeffrey Davis Part 2

Amber: I'm back with Part 2 discussing the benefits for writers from Jeffrey Davis's Yoga as Muse.

Jeffrey: The first section of my book Journey from the Center to the Page introduces readers to what I call The Four Preparations:Write with intention Show up and shape time Stoke the writer's fire Ride the wave of concentration The second second section helps writers learn to pay attention to different creative faculties - imagination, deep memory, intuition - in tandem with very specific facets of craft - imagery and detail, syntax, metaphor, dialog. I hope that writers experience craft in a whole new context.The third chapter consider emotional crags - writing the truth, dealing with the inner heckler, writing beyond trauma.And the fourth section addresses a variety of issues from revising to forming writers' groups to teaching Yoga as Muse in the academy to engaging Yoga As Muse for artists and dancers. Each chapter acts like a sort of shapely essay (I hope) that interweaves a topic relevant to a writer with clear examples from writers as and specific yogic tools and philosophies. Several chapters include specific exercises that help writers begin the practice.
Amber: Can you learn this practice from a book?Jeffrey: Although I had doubts, several writers email me from around the world to tell me how the book works for them. A writer last week emailed me to say that the book helped her finish her first novel. That's rewarding to me.
Yoga As Muse specifically is a way to help writers and artists become aware of their embodied mind's nuances so they can become their own muses. They don't have to wait for some mysterious muse to show up each blue moon wearing angel wings and blowing a golden trumpet. Those inspired moments - like a Miles Davis impromptu solo - require a lot of practice. Yoga As Muse offers that practice.
Amber: Tell me about the Yoga as Muse workshops and e-courses.
Jeffrey: The workshops and retreats immerse writers in this work. They typically focus on a specific theme relevant to writers (and sometimes artists) such as compassion or truth. I always ground the workshops and retreats in readings from contemporary writers. It's crucial for writers to read and to learn to read as writers (that's my old teacher talking, but it's true).In the mornings, we practice yoga and also have Yoga As Muse sessions that generate new writing from the yoga. In the afternoons, we share our writings and discuss facets of craft. We usually conclude with a celebratory reading by the participants. What's beautiful about these events is that inevitably first-timers arrive with some secret trepidation: Is my writing good enough? Do I belong here? I'm no good at yoga. Usually, that stuff gets dispelled within the first 15 minutes.
Every one - including me - is a beginner who learns from everyone else present. Aspiring writers and writers who have published multiple books attend and support each other. Non-yogis and yoga teachers alike show up.
The YAM e-courses are really exciting. Writers from around the world can take these courses without leaving their bedroom or living room or wherever their computer is. Each week participants receive an e-lecture that focuses around one facet of Yoga As Muse and includes at least one sometimes multiple exercises. Then, participants correspond via a message board set up exclusively for participants. There, they share their experiences with Yoga As Muse, post their writings, and give each other specific feedback. It's a great way to build virtual communities.
Amber: What's coming up?

Jeff:   People have asked me to offer Yoga As Muse Facilitator Training for years. I love to teach teachers, and I love to help people become the absolute most powerful teacher they can become. This training is not a yoga teacher training. Instead, it helps people (who must be certified to teach yoga) become a facilitator of their own Yoga As Muse classes and workshops. It's going to be amazing, if I do say so myself, with an intense immersion, an extension program, and (for graduates) a nine-month Facilitator Support Network that will give graduates support in taking the training to their communities, studios, and writing centers.
Thanks Jeff, for offering your work to writers. I am excited that you have decided to share this work through e-courses. I hope writers all over the world will benefit by bringing yoga into their writing and taking their writing to the mat. Namaste.



Join Jeffrey for
YogaAs Muse for Creative Flow Webinar  Don't wait for inspiration. Show up for it. Thursday, February 9, 2012
8:30 - 9:30 EST, 5:30-6:30 PST

Thecre­ative mind is fickle. Some­times it sparks; some­times it's just dark. Youcan­not exactly "con­trol" that wild mys­tery box (who would want to?).Butflour­ish­ing cre­atives and cre­ative pro­fes­sion­als do know they don't haveto be at their muse's whim. They know how to do what you can do: Set thecon­di­tions, cul­ti­vate the habits, and engage the tools that let themthrive, fol­low through, and fin­ish cre­ative projects with more depth andconsistency.Enter YOGA AS MUSE™. It's no panacea. But YOGA AS MUSE doestrain cre­atives, cre­ative pro­fes­sion­als, free­lancers, and other audi­encesto become more aware of how their cre­ative minds work optimally.YOGA AS MUSE'seasy-to-apply, inte­grated sys­tem of tools can increase your focus, heightenyour imag­i­na­tion, sharpen your men­tal aware­ness, shift tired pat­terns ofthink­ing and inac­tion, and stoke you to act upon fresh ideas. Learnmore by reading the full description and register here.