Creative Writing: A Transformational Practice | Shelagh Johnson | TEDxBowieStateUniversity | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Writing can be a therapeutic tool that offers healing, self-reflection, and well-being. It allows us to process our thoughts and emotions, connect with others, and express ourselves wholeheartedly.

Key Insights

• ✍️ Writing can be a therapeutic tool that promotes healing, self-reflection, and well-being.
• 🍓 Sharing raw and honest stories helps us feel less alone and encourages personal growth.
• 💡 Writing fosters creative community, where ideas and emotions are supported and celebrated.
• 🖤 Young voices, particularly young black voices, need to be heard and celebrated.
• 😃 Writing can be both serious and lighthearted, providing relief and joy.
• ✊ Our words have the power to affect change in ourselves and the world.
• 😑 Writing allows us to be present, express ourselves, and share our unique stories.

Transcript

what are you most ashamed of take a minute think about the source of your greatest shame and then write it down dig deep spare no detail and then be ready to read it aloud to the room now if you're thinking what on Earth have I gotten myself into and how do I get out of here then you understand how I felt in my first creative writing Workshop right... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How can writing be a therapeutic practice?

Writing offers patients a concrete way to process their thoughts and emotions, promoting healing, self-reflection, and well-being. It serves as a tool for self-expression and can be cathartic.

Q: Does writing always have to be serious to be therapeutic?

No, writing can be pure fun and still be transformative. It can be a form of escapism or a collaborative activity that brings people together, providing a sense of connection and lightness.

Q: What is the value of writing about hard topics?

Telling our true, raw stories, including the most painful or shameful ones, can help us feel less alone and create a sense of connection with others. It allows for personal growth and can empower others to share their own stories.

Q: How does naming and labeling negative feelings through writing help us cope with stress and anxiety?

The act of labeling negative feelings, both verbally and in writing, has a significant impact on our ability to regulate our emotions and manage distress. By naming things that upset us, we soothe ourselves and diminish signs of distress.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Writing can be a form of escapism and a refuge, providing therapeutic benefits even without delving into our hidden shame or trauma.

• Research shows that writing can be used as a helpful practice in therapeutic settings, promoting healing, self-reflection, and general well-being.

• Sharing raw and honest stories, even the painful or shameful ones, has value in making us feel less alone and allowing for personal growth.