If you are having trouble viewing this ezine, click here.

by Susan Borkin
March 2009, Volume 5, Issue 3, ISSN 1939-8719

Hello,

I am so pleased to have your subscription to A-Muse Letter! I hope you are enjoying receiving it.

As you know, each month I offer coaching tips, ideas and inspiration to support you in your writing, creativity and personal growth. Please send your comments and questions and I'll write back personally or respond in a future edition of A-Muse Letter.

Inside this issue:
Write Now Susan Borkin

NEWS:

 

ANNOUNCING THE SECOND TELESEMINAR
IN OUR 2009 SERIES!

TUESDAY, MARCH 17th 2009

12:00 NOON (Pacific)

This year, our theme is "Write, Creativity and the Pursuit of Happiness."

We've started with the link between writing, creativity and happiness. Over the course of the year we'll look at a dozen different strategies for using writing to create a happier, more creative and fulfilling life.

(See below for teleseminar description and registration)
 


[back to top]

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 - VIRTUAL WRITING CIRCLE

Don't miss this great opportunity to receive group coaching at a fraction of the cost of individual coaching!

If you are:


  • A writer or aspiring writer, wanting to connect with other writers

  • Looking for support and gentle feedback on your writing

  • An experienced writer, wanting to jumpstart a writing project

  • Needing to brush up writing basics and improve your writing habits

Then a Virtual Writing Circle may be for you!

You'll receive:


  • Two one-hour sessions per month of a professionally coached group writing experience

  • A facilitator who is a licensed and experienced psychotherapist, as well as an experienced writer, coach and teacher

  • A supportive community of other writers you can connect to virtually

  • An opportunity to meet with Susan 1:1 by phone for monthly mini-sessions, as needed

Only $65 per month.

For more information: Click Here for a Q & A (pdf) document or contact Susan Borkin at susan@susanborkin.com or call 1.800.552.WRITE.

To register: Click here to register!

[back to top]


TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2009 COMPLIMENTARY TELESEMINAR

Savoring, Succulence and Satisfaction: Pleasure Write Now!

Tuesday, March 17th 12:00 noon (Pacific)

This 1-hour interactive workshop is the second in our new 2009 teleseminar series: "Write, Creativity & the Pursuit of Happiness."

Continuing with our 2009 Teleseminar Series, "Write, Creativity & the Pursuit of Happiness," we'll address savoring and pleasure through writing.

What's almost as good as savoring a moment? Remembering it and enjoying it again!

In this complimentary seminar we'll review the link between writing, creativity and happiness and add more ways to using writing strategies and techniques to create a happier, more creative and fulfilling life.

We'll discuss:

  • Three ways to savor special moments through writing

  • How and why writing helps us remember

  • When not to use writing to savor

 

Never been to a teleseminar? A teleseminar is a virtual classroom. Accessible by telephone, you simply sign-up before hand then dial in at the appointed time. No travel, no hassle. Listen or be part of a class from anywhere in the world!

Can't make the sessions? No worries. Sign-up anyway and we'll send you the recording.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT, NOW!



SATURDAY, MARCH 28th, 2009 - PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR NEW AND BEGINNING WRITERS - Full-day workshop: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, De Anza College, Cupertino, California.

If you want to start writing and don't know how to begin, your writing has stalled, you are feeling out-of-focus or you simply want to bring more writing into your life, this is the seminar for you. Although publishing may be your eventual goal, emphasis will be on the process of writing. All genres and skill levels (including absolute beginners) welcome.

Included:

  • Tips and tricks to get started writing and keep going
  • Get moving again when your writing has stalled
  • Get your writing organized!
  • Keep track of your ideas
  • Silence your inner critic
  • Manage your resistance
  • Break through writer's block
  • Deal with rejection

To register, phone: (408) 864-8817 or click here to sign up online

If you are interested in the Practical Strategies Workshop, but live outside of the San Francisco Bay Area, you can purchase the exact same manual we use in the workshop.
Check it out in our Write Now! On-line Store.

If you are interested in finding out more about Susan Borkin’s availability to speak to your group or organization, click here or contact Susan at 408.973.7877

[back to top]
BOOKS TO STIMULATE YOUR WRITING AND CREATIVITY By Susan Borkin
Writing From the Inside Out: Using a Journal for Personal Growth and Transformation
When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes: The Healing Power of Writing

Writing From the Inside Out: Using a Journal for Personal Growth and Transformation

 When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes: The Healing Power of Writing

Both books are available for previewing and ordering at www.susanborkin.com. Sample chapters are only available to preview.

[back to top]
GRATIS CORNER

  • Feeling stuck or blocked and think maybe writing can help?

  • Have an idea for a book, but no idea where to start?

  • Feel drawn to writing but need some help with structure and accountability?

  • Think coaching may be of help?

Find out! Just contact me for a Complimentary Coaching Consultation and we'll talk about it. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com to find out more.

  • Need some journaling tips? Send for your GRATIS BONUS ARTICLE "JUMPSTART YOUR JOURNALING" Send an e-mail to susan@susanborkin.com, requesting the article by name.

[back to top]

MERRILY WE FLOW ALONG...

During our teleseminar last month we discussed the connection between creativity and happiness. We found that creativity and happiness enhance one another. Being creative can make you happier and being happier is bound to make you more creative!

Flow, so named by its primary researcher, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is the state of being in which we are so deeply engaged in what we are doing, we lose track of time and of ourselves.

The theory behind this is that our nervous system can take in just so much stimulation and when we are so engaged in the process of what we are doing we lose track of things we might otherwise be aware of, like hunger, time, aches and pains, etc.

Csikszentmihalyi describes the following seven universal characteristics of Flow:

  1. Complete involvement in what we are doing, completely focused, a sense of ecstasy, of being outside everyday reality

  2. A sense of (non-drug induced) ecstasy, of being outside everyday reality

  3. Great inner clarity, knowing what needs to be done and how well we are doing it

  4. Knowing that the activity we are engaged in is doable - that our skills are adequate to the task (that is possible even though it may be difficult)

  5. A sense of serenity---no worries about oneself and the feeling of growing beyond the boundaries of the ego

  6. Timelessness---thoroughly focused on the present, hours seem to pass by in minutes

  7. Intrinsic motivation, whatever produces Flow becomes its own reward

This month, I challenge you to create more Flow in your writing and creative life. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Find a period of time when you will not be interrupted

  • Turn off your phone, e-mail and all other electronic diversions

  • Before you begin writing or creating, become quiet and set an intention for yourself

  • Have your "tools" available and at hand (pens, paper, art supplies, notebook)

  • Find new and different ways to approach daily tasks (housekeeping, e-mail, making dinner)

Being in a state of Flow is more than just pleasurable. It can improve the quality of your writing and creative life and increase your sense of well-being. Over the next several days, experiment and explore being in Flow. Write and let me know what you learn!

Take care,

If you find yourself needing help managing your creative process contact me and request a GRATIS SESSION via phone or in person. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com to find out more.

ABOUT SUSAN BORKIN

Susan Borkin, M.A. is a licensed psychotherapist, coach and writer. She is the founder of Write Now! a professional practice specializing in the use of writing for personal and professional growth. Susan specializes in helping people overcome creative blocks and achieve deep personal transformation through the use of writing. A personal growth writing teacher for more than twenty-five years, she is the author of When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes: The Healing Power of Writing and Writing From the Inside Out: Using a Journal for Personal Growth & Transformation.

[back to top]

You are receiving this ezine either because you signed up for it via one of my books, websites, classes or presentations or have otherwise indicated your interest. Please, if you would prefer not to receive it or I have sent this to you in error, let me know.

Subscribe - Sign up on our Website at www.susanborkin.com to receive your own copy of this monthly ezine. You may always click on the CHANGE link at the end of this ezine to update your email address or otherwise change your account.

Unsubscribe - If you wish to cancel your subscription, please click on the CANCEL link at the bottom of this ezine.

Susan Borkin, M. A.
Psychotherapist, Writing & Creativity Coach
Helping Creative People Get Unstuck With and Through Writing
19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 973-7877 (Phone) | (800) 55-2-WRITE (97483)
(650) 961-9914 (Fax)
susan@susanborkin.com | www.susanborkin.com

© Copyright 2009 Susan Borkin, All Rights Reserved
No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the express written consent from Susan Borkin.