Yoga - Writing - and the Inner World
Yoga, Writing, Inner World will combine asana (yoga postures) and journaling as a means towards understanding and finding comfort within the larger Self. Free writing exercises will be facilitated between instructor-led asana to aid participants in first locating and then ultimately exploring and expressing his or her own inner world.
We will work loosely with a theme of Sacred Solitude: how inner work like yoga, writing, and art enables us to connect more purposely with the global human community. Writing prompts will be offered; however, freedom of expression and structure will be completely encouraged. This workshop is open to all levels of practitioners, beginner to advanced, and anyone who enjoys writing or wants to start.
Who is Tara Burke? Tara Shea Burke earned her M.F.A in poetry from Old Dominion University in 2012 and has since been published in various literary publications, such as: The Quotable, Switched-On Gutenberg, Animal: A Beast of a Literary Journal, and she placed 2nd in Split This Rock’s 2013 Poetry Contest, a non-profit that promotes writing as social witness. She teaches literature and writing at ODU and The Muse, and is an editor for The Quotable. Recently, she finished her 200-hour yoga teacher training with Karuna Yoga and has begun teaching yoga in the Hampton Roads area. She believes yoga and writing are both practices that bring us closer to our core mystery, and writes about the body as much as she praises the gorgeous bodies in her yoga classes.
Who is Walter Gray? In 2006 Walter earned, from Longwood University, a BA in English and a minor in French, Outdoor Education, and Creative Writing. He has always been a little creative, a little athletic, and a little nerdy. In grade school he taught himself to sew, so his bed-full-of-stuffed-animals could have personalized pillows and quilts. His first short story was written in middle school: a red plant with red people who didn't do much. And in high school, Walter swam and ran cross-country; he found literature and its philosophy.
Now, after years of traveling and searching Walter's interests are embedded in the exchanges between people and the environment. Whether he's teaching swim lessons, teaching a cooking class, or helping others write, he considers the classroom to be a dynamic playground for the purpose of engaging, empowering, and entertaining.
Back in 2003 his first yoga class was a gift of humility and of awakening energy. Since then his practice has deepened and unfolded into many aspects of his life.
In the world of writing Walter is most passionate about nonfiction. He writes about everyday people—their personal struggles and triumphs—believing we all grapple with the tension between truth, fact, and honesty.
Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 9:14AM 
