Deep Breath after the Solstice

Our first official workshop on December 21st was a huge success. With just 10 days notice, we had 20 people join us for 4 hours of movement and writing. And we raised a few hundred-plus bucks for an amazing cause.

Our instructors, Kim Stafford on the writing side (center in picture), and my brother, Michael Selin, for Aikido (in his gi on the left), were AWESOME! Basically, they were a brilliant pair. Thank you, gentlemen!

What better way to launch and connect the space here: a writing seminar with an Aikido class? We'll have to do it again soon.

If you have any ideas for a killer event, with amazing instructors, stellar content, to help showcase the Writers' Dojo as a center of excellence for writers, one that will be talked about and memorable for years to come, of course I'd love to hear from you. Shoot me your ideas. Maybe we can make it happen.

Solstice Breath

Last week I attended a writing workshop on food held at Hotlips Pizza--the inaugural session of Hotlips U.--sponsored by the William Stafford Studio. (The Studio is a new venture under works by Kim Stafford, one that you will certainly hear more about in coming months and throughout 2008 as Kim continues to develop this amazing organization.)

It turns out that Hotlips will focus its extra circular activities in 2008 toward the literary arts. Last year it was bicycles. This coming year: words. Bravo, Hotlips! So, we read aloud from works of poetry and prose, used these as prompts to write, shared our words, then feasted.

I was totally inspired by how location--the landscape and culture--have such a profound impact on our words. It was simply the perfect locale to inspire thoughts on food and community. Afterwards, Kim and I kept chatting and dreaming about how Writers' Dojo could host an event based on the energy and vibe of the location. Here's the result: the perfect workshop to help launch our space. What could be better than to combine the two disciplines of writing and movement... from two teachers I greatly admire.

Solstice Breath
with Kim Stafford and Michael Selin
A workshop in writing and movement

In breath, where kingdoms hide,
one little turn at the end
is king, again, again, again…

—William Stafford

At Writers' Dojo: Friday, 21 December 2007, 9 a.m. - 1p.m.
Co-sponsored by the William Stafford Studio

Please join us for our inaugural workshop at Writers' Dojo, featuring writing with poet Kim Stafford and movement exercises with aikido teacher Michael Selin. We will work with breath, the body in motion and at rest, and writing invitations designed to listen at the solstice.

Yes, this is a busy time. All the more reason to step aside from all that frenzy for this retreat, this gift to yourself. The movement and writing exercises will be restorative, leaving you ready for the rest.

Cost: Suggested donation of $25 with all proceeds to benefit Write Around Portland. Visit to learn more about this valuable organization, one of Portland’s treasures. (Checks payable to “Write Around Portland”).

Bring comfortable clothing to exercise (we have locker rooms and showers).

8:30 Caffeine and conversation
9:00 First writing
9:30 Breath and Movement
10:30 Break
11:00 Writing continues
12:00 Aikido class
1:00 Farewell

• Kim Stafford is director of the William Stafford Studio.
• Michael Selin is the instructor at Ecole de Budo RAJI, Portland.

Texts developed during the workshop will be shared with participants, and will become part of the digital archive for community service at the William Stafford Studio, and at Writers’ Dojo.

Visit here for directions, or call 503.706.0509.

Writers' Dojo
7518 (and 7506) N. Chicago Ave.
Portland, OR 97203