Where most writers struggle is in their desire to not be in the present moment. They want to have written or want to write at some later date. Or, they ignore how they’re feeling and push beyond their limits. In order to maintain integrity with one’s self and the world around us, we must know ourselves deeply and be as connected as we can to the present moment. We must know where we have come from so that we can see where we are and know where we’re going.

No writer exists in isolation. They and their stories are part of a greater conversation about them and their work, and they must be given safe spaces to explore themselves and their work. Therefore, whether it’s through facilitating group coaching programs or working with clients one-on-one, I will provide safe, communal spaces for them because the writing road can be fraught with all sorts of perils—internal and external.

As a Secular Buddhist, I understand that I must have compassion for myself and others during all stages of the writing process. I also know that everyone is on their own path to enlightenment, and the greatest gift that I can give to the writers is the autonomy and self-direction to find their own voice and tell their own stories in their own way. Writing can be a difficult path with no guarantees, full of ups and downs just as life is.

Human beings are creators. We are tellers of tales, masters of crafts, and breakers of chains. We are so much more than cogs in capitalist and corporate machines, and we deserve to express ourselves fully in any way, shape, or form that our stories take rather than be rigid and permanent. Similarly, our work deserves to meet its own needs rather than only someone else’s bottom line.

Creative writing education that is equitable and empowering starts with nurturing a health curiosity for other perspectives. For example, storytelling modes and practices outside of Western ideological frameworks don’t get as much attention in academia and the publishing industry, but they are just as valid and worthy of attention in writing practice. To that end, it is so important to “come and see” certain methodologies for ourselves.