We all have a story to tell from our own lives about how we became who we are. Stories about the way we were born - or about how someone helped us. About how we got ill - or overcame a terrible loss.
Stories about how someone we loved hurt us - or how a political or spiritual event almost broke us. Stories about how we were bullied, about how an accident changed the course of our lives - or about how we were able to make a difference in someone else’s life.
These stories are often invisible to others. They might still influence the way we think and feel in ways we don’t fully understand. They might make us think – or they might make us ache.
Writing about your own life can help you connect with the story you are living and it can help to heal or manage the effects of trauma. It is a powerful way for us to communicate and to grow compassion for ourselves and for each other.
The tools we need to write effectively are also tools that help us live more creatively and less anxiously. Whether you are writing fiction or plays or poetry, life writing skills can help you deepen observation of our human preferences, habits and tendencies - and how they impact on ourselves, other people and the natural environment.
During the course we will find refreshing approaches to assist us in putting our personal stories down on the page. Beginner writers are welcome.
This residential course at Vensterklip Guest Farm, near Eland's Bay on the Cape West Coast, allows you to delve into your story in a delightful rural setting on the shores of Verlorenvlei, a World Heritage Site, approximately 2.5 hours’ drive north of Cape Town. Comfortable, characterful and tasty full board and lodging will be arranged by our generous hosts, Jane and Deborah.
To book and for more information on the accommodation options available, please mail Deborah and Jane on info@vensterklip.co.za.
Dates: TBC
Times: Friday: 2pm - 6pm, Sat & Sun: 9am to 2pm
Venue: Vensterklip Guest Farm, R366, between Redelinghuys and Eland's Bay
Facilitator: Giles Griffin (Learn more about our facilitators here)
Workshop fee: R3 500 to R4 000, depending on accommodation (single or sharing).
Please use the following booking reference when you book: VKF30082RETREAT/Surname.
Catering costs: Dinner on Friday and Saturday, plus breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday will be included in the accommodation costs: vegetarian food will be served. Please let us know if you have other dietary needs.
Accommodation costs: To be confirmed depending on accommodation option selected – single room occupation or sharing. Prices for the weekend, including all fees, catering and accommodation range from approximately R3 500 to R4 000 per head, depending on the accommodation.
"The course allowed me to connect the dots of my life journey towards writing a meaningful story that I had not been paying attention to. I enjoyed how the facilitator handled the space, ensuring everyone was at ease." ANDREW SELONDO, CAPE TOWN
"Attending the memoir course was unexpectedly empowering. It took me down into the very roots of my life experience in a safe and supportive nurturing environment." HELENA KINGWILL, CAPE TOWN
“Loved it! Structure worked well, facilitator was well organised, supportive, caring knowledgeable about writing, but also on the ball as to the emotion of it all.” JH, CAPE TOWN
Sponsored places for course fees are available on all our courses. Please apply to admin@liferighting.com for a motivation form.
