When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Corporeal Writing
Why Corporeal Writing is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Corporeal Writing offers an innovative and transformative approach to writing that emphasizes the creative power of the body. Founded by bestselling writer and teacher Lidia Yuknavitch, the workshops focus on 'writing by and through the body'—a philosophy that views the body as a crucial source of all knowing and storytelling. Whether you are a writer, artist, or health and spirit care professional, Corporeal Writing welcomes creatives of all forms and levels to explore their artistic expression through both online and face-to-face workshops. The experience is designed to break away from traditional writing methods and invites participants to engage deeply with their physical sensations and lived experience as a pathway to authentic storytelling. Highlights include a variety of immersive retreats such as winter and spring creative retreats and themed creative labs focused on memoir, fiction, and hybrid forms like sound and work. The environment fosters a unique camaraderie among participants, described as a 'writing revolution' that offers a vibrant space to risk letting art into life. Corporeal Writing is more than a workshop; it is a community and movement for those wanting to explore creative embodiment and push the boundaries of literature and art.
Here's what people think of Corporeal Writing
As of recent, Corporeal Writing holds a 5-star rating based on 8 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Corporeal Writing for its unique, body-focused approach to creativity which deeply resonates on a personal level. Many highlight how the workshops have helped them to unlock new ways of expressing their stories beyond intellectual exercises, emphasizing the heartfelt connection to their own physicality and emotions. Positive feedback often mentions Lidia Yuknavitch’s inspiring and passionate teaching style, the welcoming and supportive community atmosphere, and the meaningful impact on their creative practices and personal growth. Participants appreciate the blend of online accessibility and occasional face-to-face retreats that allow for intimate and expansive artistic exploration. On the negative side, some reviewers note that the intense body-centered approach might not fit everyone’s style or initial expectations, especially those accustomed to conventional writing workshops. A few mention that the sometimes abstract or non-traditional workshop format can feel challenging or unfamiliar, which may require openness and a willingness to experiment. Overall, reviews conclude that Corporeal Writing offers a powerful and transformative experience for those ready to embrace a non-linear, sensory-rich approach to art-making and storytelling. It is widely regarded as a revolutionary platform that expands the boundaries of creative writing and artistic identity.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
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So welcoming and *extremely supportive,* no elitism, you don't have to call yourself "a writer," you can just play and get inspired if you want, it's very low pressure. Addressing stereotypes of other writing classes: You'll never be forced to speak or share! No one will correct your grammar unless you directly ask for that kind of thing and maybe not even then :) All the workshops I've taken (a lot) have been valuable, some were life-changing. If you're reading this, I would suggest just checking out their website: inventive courses and sliding-scale fees. They are disability friendly, which I appreciate! You don't have to mask or fake "normalcy." This is one of my favorite places, and I adore the people who make it up.
Erin Ferrell
I am so grateful that Corporeal Writing exists. Taking workshops, attending readings, socially engaging and creating connections with other writers/creatives has deepened me as a human being and as a writer. In an oftentimes beige world, Corporeal Writing is like a giant red pumping heart. Go there…
Anne Falkowski
A wonderful welcoming learning environment. I have attended many writing workshops at Corporeal and have had the best experience where I learned a lot and transformed my own creativity and writing.
Lydia Rogue
I love going here to relax and write. The atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming. Their open studio hours are a blessing for the broke writer looking for a place to hole up away from noisy roommates!
Amy Parker
Their approach to writing the body has helped me tremendously in my practice, and everyone's work blows me away. Plus, it's such a welcoming and supportive environment!
How to reach Corporeal Writing
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Why Corporeal Writing may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Corporeal Writing with your friends? Because Corporeal Writing offers a unique, immersive experience that transcends conventional writing workshops by engaging not just the mind but the entire body. This space, founded by bestselling author Lidia Yuknavitch, promotes a groundbreaking philosophy that all creative expression flows through our physical experience. Gathering your friends here means sharing a vibrant journey into creative discovery that is both intellectually and viscerally rich. It’s a place where everyone—from seasoned writers to curious novices, from artists to health and spiritual professionals—can explore storytelling in ways that tap into deep bodily wisdom. This isn’t just about writing; it’s about connecting to your creativity through movement, emotion, and corporeal sensation, making the experience organically social and profoundly connective. Your meetup is transformed from a typical get-together into a powerful collective exploration of the art of living and expressing through the body. This shared adventure provides both an intimate and energizing atmosphere that strengthens bonds, sparks new perspectives, and leaves everyone inspired to create beyond words.
What activities are available at Corporeal Writing that make it perfect for a group meetup? The primary activity revolves around Lidia Yuknavitch’s signature workshops, which combine writing with body-centered practices. These creative labs encourage participants to write “by and through the body,” meaning that attendees not only write but also engage physically, using movement, breath, and sensory awareness to unlock deeper narrative possibilities. Workshops often include exercises that invite participants to explore sensations, memories, and emotional states, translating these experiences into vivid, authentic writing. The group environment supports a collective creative energy where shared storytelling fosters empathy and connection. Besides writing, Corporeal Writing also hosts readings and discussions where your group can listen, reflect, and respond together—deepening the bonds through shared artistic encounters. These varied formats make the space dynamic and welcoming for different interests and artistic styles, ensuring that no one feels left out regardless of skill level or background.
Why is Corporeal Writing ideal for groups looking to host meetups? Firstly, the philosophy behind Corporeal Writing promotes inclusivity and accessibility. It welcomes participants of all artistic levels and disciplines, including writers, visual artists, performers, and even professionals from health and wellness fields. This broad openness guarantees that your friends won't feel intimidated or excluded, regardless of their creative experiences. The venue’s focus on embodiment practices means sessions emphasize personal expression and experimentation without judgment, cultivating a supportive atmosphere ideal for adventurous groups eager to push boundaries together. Further, the workshops are designed to be interactive and collaborative, encouraging small-group sharing as well as collective improvisations. This engagement turns what might be a passive attendance into an active, bonding experience that can strengthen friendships through vulnerability and shared discovery. The space itself, reflective of Yuknavitch’s artistic ethos, avoids the coldness of sterile classrooms or the formality of traditional writing centers, offering instead a warm environment conducive to open exchange and creativity.
What types of creative labs and sessions can your group participate in at Corporeal Writing? Corporeal Writing offers both Face2Face and online workshop options, allowing flexibility depending on your group’s preference. Face2Face labs immerse participants in guided physical exercises combined with writing prompts, helping to dissolve barriers between mind and body. These sessions typically include stretches, breath work, or movement sequences that foster bodily awareness, followed by periods of writing inspired by the newly awakened sensations or emotions. Online labs replicate much of this dynamic through virtual interaction, allowing distant friends or members unable to travel to participate actively. Beyond writing, the workshops invite participants to engage with other art forms, such as dance, music, and visual arts, reflecting the belief that storytelling and creativity are multi-sensory and multi-modal. Corporeal Writing also caters to interdisciplinary collaboration, attracting artists and caregivers who integrate body-mind practices into their work, making it a fertile ground for unique cross-pollinations that your group can explore together.
How does Corporeal Writing’s approach to storytelling enrich a group meetup experience? Unlike conventional writing centers that might focus on grammar, structure, or formal critique, Corporeal Writing’s ethos sees storytelling as a living, breathing phenomenon anchored in the body’s intelligence. This emphasis allows groups to move beyond intellectualizing or distancing from their stories and connecting instead to raw, embodied truths. Writing through the body cultivates a fresh perspective, enabling stories to emerge vividly, textured by sensation and emotion. It challenges participants to inhabit their narratives fully, making the creative process cathartic and deeply personal. For meetup groups, this means conversations and sharing sessions are unusually intimate and powerful, fostering mutual understanding and empathy among friends. Plus, the focus on corporeality encourages creative risk-taking and vulnerability, which can break down social barriers and invite authentic connection, making your gathering not only memorable but transformative.
What makes Lidia Yuknavitch’s leadership at Corporeal Writing a special draw? Lidia Yuknavitch is not just a founder but a visionary writer and teacher whose work fundamentally challenges traditional norms of storytelling. Her background as a bestselling author and commitment to “writing by and through the body” informs every aspect of the workshops. Yuknavitch’s passion for art as a metaphor for living inspires participants to take creative risks and explore storytelling as a form of urgent, existential engagement. Her unique blend of compassion, intensity, and rigor encourages groups to engage deeply with their creative selves and with each other. Under her guidance, Corporeal Writing has become a “writing revolution,” attracting international attention for its innovative approach and inclusivity. Hosting your meetup here means connecting to a larger movement that values creativity as a radical form of life-affirming art.
How does Corporeal Writing foster community and ongoing engagement among groups? Beyond individual workshops, Corporeal Writing cultivates an ongoing community bound by shared creative values. Groups meeting here are often introduced to a larger network of artists, writers, and body-mind practitioners who participate in regular events, readings, and labs. This sense of community extends beyond the sessions themselves, supporting continuous creative growth and social interaction. Corporeal Writing’s inclusive and intersectional approach also emphasizes the importance of diverse voices and identities, inviting all to find belonging and expression. Your meetup doesn’t end when the workshop closes; it can ignite ongoing collaborations, shared projects, and friendships within this creative ecosystem. This vibrant communal energy makes Corporeal Writing an ideal place not only for one-off meetups but for groups eager to build lasting cultural and artistic connections.
What logistical or practical features make Corporeal Writing great for hosting group meetups? The accessibility of both in-person and online workshops provides logistical flexibility. The physical spaces used for Face2Face labs are designed to facilitate movement and intimate group interaction, avoiding the constraints of rigid classroom seating or formalities. Comfortable, open layouts allow your group to engage in both energetic physical activities and quieter writing or reflection times without awkward transitions. The organization also prioritizes a low-pressure atmosphere, encouraging participants to come as they are without stressing over pre-existing skill or experience. Additionally, Corporeal Writing offers direct communication with organizers for customized group arrangements or questions, ensuring that your meetup is tailored to your group’s interests and needs. The combination of professional leadership, thoughtful space design, and warm community involvement creates an optimal setting for meaningful group creative experiences.
Why should families choose Corporeal Writing for a meetup? Corporeal Writing’s philosophy embraces creativity as universal and bodily knowing as fundamental, making it welcoming for family groups seeking meaningful and enriching shared experiences. The workshops encourage participants to tap into their senses, memories, and emotions in a supportive, playful environment suited for all ages and creative backgrounds. Families can enjoy the blend of movement, storytelling, and interactive arts together, supporting expression in multiple forms. The inclusive and nonjudgmental atmosphere helps family members of different generations feel connected and engaged through creativity. Moreover, the experiential focus fosters empathy and communication, making it a natural setting for families to deepen bonds through artistic exploration.
What key qualities set Corporeal Writing apart from typical writing centers or creative studios? While many writing centers focus primarily on technical skills or literary critique, Corporeal Writing integrates body awareness and creative embodiment as a core practice. This sets it apart as a space where creativity is seen holistically—mind, body, and spirit united in storytelling. The workshops reject sterile or overly formal atmospheres, instead cultivating environments imbued with warmth, intimacy, and radical openness to diverse expression. The emphasis on physicality and sensation as sources of narrative insight offers participants fresh creative tools unavailable in conventional settings. Furthermore, Corporeal Writing’s ethos encourages risk-taking and vulnerability while grounding creativity in authentic lived experience. This compelling approach attracts groups wanting a more immersive, transformative creative session rather than a typical workshop experience.
How has Corporeal Writing been received by its community, and why does it have a perfect rating? Corporeal Writing enjoys a stellar 5.0 rating based on 8 reviews, reflecting the deep satisfaction of participants with its unique approach. Reviews often highlight the transformative impact of the workshops on creative confidence and personal expression. Participants appreciate the welcoming, nonjudgmental environment and the facilitation style of Lidia Yuknavitch and the team, which fosters genuine connection and creative risk-taking. The inclusivity and variety of workshop formats also receive praise for accommodating diverse needs and artistic backgrounds. Such consistent positive feedback demonstrates how well Corporeal Writing meets the aspirations of groups seeking meaningful, body-centered creative experiences, confirming it as an outstanding venue for friends and family meetups centered on artistic connection.