Just received the schedule of the 6th LAPIDUS conference, which I will be attending at the end of the month - and I'm beside myself with
delight at seeing some of the workshops that are on offer - I want to attend every one!
Lapidus is an organisation whose stated aim is that of encouraging
personal development through the literary arts - so the attendees are a stimulating mixture of all shades of poets, writers, and health
professionals, all of whom come together in smaller local groups
throughout the year and annually at this conference.
I first attended last year, when I had the pleasure of meeting Kathleen Adams, Director of the Centre for Journal Therapy in Denver, Colorado. I
am a certified instructor for journal writing workshops based on Kay's
book "Journal to the Self" - so it was a rare treat to meet her in
person last year when she presented the Keynote speech at the
conference. She radiated the same integrity and whole heart living in
real life with which her books and work are imbued.
Along with Kay, I met many other people who were enthused by the same
ideas as myself, of how powerful the written word, sometimes combined
with visual imagery, can be. I have felt the same way when visiting
quilting exhibitions, or visiting the theatre. It is enriching to enjoy
practising any of the arts at home, alone, but oh how much more
stimulating and encouraging it is to meet with others who are similarly
lit with the light of enthusiasm from inside.
How they "get" what you are so exhilarated by, rather than having to
explain it! How their enthusiasm then rubs back off onto you. Wonderful
cross fertilisation! And of course, this goes for any enthusiasm, arts
or sciences (and what folly it is to draw a dividing line between
nowadays - I would rather just celebrate all knowledge).
It was through attending the last conference that I was really struck
with the *power* of poetry that is being written here and now,
especially in live performance. Each evening is given over to an "open
microphone", with the freedom for anyone to get up and perform their own
work - so poets, storytellers and singers are all welcome. It will be a
year or two before I am courageous enough - but if I was tempted this
year there is a workshop on presentation skills for anyone that wants to
do just that.
My own interests lie in the values of journal/biblio/poetry therapy -
so those are the sessions that I will seek out. But the other half of
the pleasure will be in sitting at mealtimes with total strangers, who
will share their knowledge and not stay strangers for long. I'm looking
forward to meeting some particularly gutsy characters from last year,
and to joining in the circle dance on the last evening. I am enthused
about stretching my imagination and my own boundaries. Oh, the
anticipation is such a delicious part of it all!
Roz, I am green with envy at your conference. As to being shy about the poetry - shy? Why ever in the world? Everyone starts somewhere - we are all on the same continuum, but at different spots. Your efforts will be applauded for trying, and everyone will recognize your heart is in your work. You go, Girl!
Posted by: ardi | Friday, March 11, 2005 at 14:42
Roz I'd love to be going to this as well. How lucky you are to expand yet another horizon of yourself this year. As to you being shy? I've read poetry of yours, and it certainly deserves to be shared by others to enjoy and absorb. Your confidence.., of a person who knows already who she is... would shine. I'll repeat the American slang, you go girl!
Posted by: carolyn | Saturday, March 12, 2005 at 13:16
Are you presenting this year by any chance? Is Kay going? I know you will have a wonderful time!
Posted by: Fran | Sunday, March 13, 2005 at 06:32