Shadow Puppet Storyteller

A path not taken -- WriteGirl (L.A.)

As I anticipate the emergence from this cocoon of waiting, I open an email from a non-profit that has every year been on the fringe of my experience, but which I have never had the time/confidence to be a part of. Nicely, and deservedly, the group WriteGirl is being awarded in the Los Angeles Times Book Awards this April 17th with the Innovator's Award. Each year, a group of girls releases an anthology of writing from the efforts of its members and their mentors. The quote/practice below is from within the pages of the most recent, This Moment

Writing activity from This Moment: Take a journey of self-discovery
A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The labyrinth represents a journey to our own center and back again out into the world.

Select one of the topics below. As you focus on that topic and reflect, slowly trace your finger along the path as a “walk through the labyrinth” and allow your creative ideas to percolate. When you get to the center, take a pause and use that moment to write down your ideas and thoughts. After a few minutes of writing, place your finger back on the center of the labyrinth, trace yourself back out, once again focusing on the topic, and then take a few more minutes to write. Cultivate self-awareness. Take time to reflect on past events and memories.


1. Mindfulness: Just breathe. How does my breath feel? How deeply am I breathing? What does the air feel like? When was another time when I focused on my breath or breathing? Describe that time.

2. Confidence: What does confidence look like? Who gives me confidence? When have I felt confident and comfortable?

3. Wisdom: Think of an animal you saw recently. What does that animal have to teach you about life? If that animal could speak, what advice does it have for you?

4. Emotion: Take a personal inventory of how you feel right now. How do you feel? Is there any part of your body that feels tense or tight? What are the sounds around you? Can you list all of them?

5. Inspiration: Think of a color you love. What are all the objects that you have seen in that color? What does that color make you feel? What is one memory you have where that color was significant?