Course Description
Both yoga and Zen philosophies offer writers profoundly insightful experiences, ones driven by more holistic views of personal development as opposed to striving for unrealistic goals or evaluative benchmarks. In this class, we will explore what these ancient traditions hold for our intentions with writing, especially when we appreciate how awareness of mind, body, and spirit can enhance our writing experience. We’ll write individually so that you can better understand your personal practice as well as collaboratively in writing with other writers. Looking at the yoga sutras of Patanjali and other relevant philosophers, we will explore writing in terms of contemplation, discipline, personal power, and realization. With an open mind and commitment to this philosophy, you stand to gain clarity, focus, and the lifelong ability to overcome personal obstacles, letting you channel your intellect into writing that feels powerful to readers, and more importantly, powerful to you. Mastery of your contemplative writing practice will continue to support you in any personal or professional challenges you encounter in the years to come.
Credits: 3
Semesters: Fall 2016, Spring 2015
Course Website
Syllabus Infographic
I teach a themed course, “Yoga-Zen Writing,” which I designed to give students a more mindful writing experience that uses yoga and meditation practices to teach students embodied cognition. This website reflects much of the content and delivery of that course in spring 2015.
For my Fall 2016 students, I created an infographic as a companion to the syllabus. The infographic decreases the overall wording in the syllabus and uses icons to present key ideas with greater visual intensity than the traditional print syllabus.