Sticky, sweet and slow. What I am learning about holding space for others. And myself.
- Sep 21, 2025
- 3 min read
Recently, I ran a little online beta course called Field Work - a generative writing circle. Each session began with an energy practice to get participants into flow, followed by shared reading (poems, short excerpts) and then reflective and/or creative writing. It attracted a mix of writers and non-writers and those both familiar and unfamiliar with being 'in-circle'.
This was a test for something I plan to offer in the future - and it taught me a lot, both about what works and about myself.
Each week, I chose poems or readings around a theme or specific writer or poet, which we read together before writing and sharing. I loved how, in such a short time, a sense of trust and safety developed in the group. I loved seeing how each person took something different from the same piece of writing and how quickly we can find connection - even in an online space and with participants located in many different countries.
Running this circle has been a huge moment for me in trusting my abilities and believing in my worth. I’m part of several writing communities full of serious writerly talent and I could easily slip into imposter syndrome mode. But my offering is not about craft, but the ritual of shared reading and writing. It’s about finding your voice and connecting to the creative potential that exists in all of us. It’s energy meets expression. My strength is in helping participants find that connection, curating works that resonate and creating a space where people feel safe, nourished and inspired.
I really believe everyone can write - storytelling, after all, is deeply and uniquely human.
This act of putting myself out there came toward the end of a six-month spirit-led manifestation process with Spirited Living. When I started the process I was in deep mourning for the loss of both my old life in Asia where I lived for 18 years, and the vision of a new life in Australia which had not fallen into place in the way I was so confident it would.
The process began messy, sticky and heavy …like trying to walk up a hill in treacle. But after six months of inner work I am close to the top of that hill…and very much still surrounded by the treacle…but it’s become sweet and delicious.
New people and opportunities are buzzing around me and wanting to get close and stick. And, just to keep the (bit tired now I know) treacle metaphor going, as I reach smoother ground, it’s going to keep my work slow, thick and vital.
Since starting this six-month process, I have also:
Started a Qi Gong teacher training. A vital component, IMHO, to getting flow happening in our lives and our writing. I hope to start teaching Level 1 Qi Gong in 2026.
Completed facilitation training with Shared Reading NSW. Shared Reading is a beautiful practice that allows anyone to find both community and a pause in their day to listen to a story and share how it’s made them feel.
Started a Certificate in Expressive Writing Therapies which is adding a lot of value to my understanding of the healing power of writing.
Plus, I am also about to complete a year-long novel writing course with Faber Academy and will start on my Master’s thesis this coming year too. But that’s a whole different side to my writing journey.
So please do watch this space. I’ll be launching both in-person and zoom-based shared reading and expressive writing circles very soon.
In the meantime I’ll leave you with this little insta post I came across from a Writer’s Studio near me. It made me laugh — but also reminded me how much I love that the same piece of writing can open up something different in each person. And often not in the way the author intended. Which is why anything we share about a what a piece of writing means to us can never be wrong.
Happy reading and writualing, Chantal xxx
