Contemplative Poetry Writing Workshop: Ladder to Heaven

Join instructor, Karla Pahel and learn how to write contemplative poetry through the spiritual practice of a 12th century french mystic, Guigo II.

All mystics speak of an "inner landscape" (John O'Donohue), or "interior castles" (Teresa of Avila), or the "inner island" (Thich Nhat Hanh). 

"The innermost hidden center where you are One with the Divine, where the infinite depths of your God are One with the infinite depths of ourselves."  Jim Finley

In this workshop you are invited to "find the hidden staircase that leads to our own altars" in learning how to craft contemplative poetry through the spiritual practis of Guigo II. Participants will choose a quote, a line from a poem or sacred reading, or a mantra as their foundation. With these words that intrigue and quicken your heart, you will begin climbing the rungs of Guigo's ladder. Through inner dialogue questions, reflections, and meditation, participants will discover the sacred in the ordinary, a poem of their own in their midst.

This intimate workshop is limited to 10 participants.  $5.00 donation at the door. 

"The inner space where God dwells can often be uniquely accessed by the arts."   Richard Rohr

Materials: Pen and notebook. The instructor will provide the outline to Guigo II's Ladder to Heaven, quotes from poetry, mystics, sacred readings and mantras.

About the Venue: The Clubhouse is a 100-seat, intimate performance space located in the heart of the Catonsville Arts District. Recently acquired, it is owned and operated by the Baltimore County Arts Guild and serves as a center of the arts in Baltimore County. Additional classrooms provide space for classes and workshops.

This program is made possible in part by the Citzens of Baltimore County, the Catonsville Arts District, Baltimore County Arts Guild, and the Maryland State Arts Council