classes aren't like classes anywhere

else.  Emphasis is placed on helping women find inspiration and joy, and each part of the class is designed to focus and support.  Class rituals create continuity and develop the container in which we work.

The classroom is open at least fifteen minutes (usually thirty) before class is scheduled to start, and students are encouraged to come early if they'd like a few minutes to write.  Students sit in a circle, and as class begins, they pass a lit candle from one woman to the next, giving each woman a moment to center herself, cast off whatever distractions she might have brought with her, and focus herself on the time at hand.  Next, a poem is read, followed by ten to fifteen minutes of writing time.  Prompts based on the poem are offered to help get ideas flowing, and the writing is shared in pairs.  A discussion of some element of writing or a writing exercise follows, then there's a break of tea and chocolate.  The second half of the class is devoted to sharing writing and giving feedback, and the class ends by reflecting on the experience and passing the candle back around the circle.