Sacred Conversations in Contemplative Writing
You do not have to be a writer, and you do not need prior experience with contemplative practice, to join this group. This group is about self-discovery, shared listening, and the wisdom that can emerge through writing together. It is not a traditional writing group where we critique one another’s work.
Contemplative Writing is not a traditional writing group where members bring finished work for critique. Instead, we gather to write together, listen together, and discover what rises when writing becomes a contemplative practice.
Through guided prompts, silence, reflection, and shared listening, we learn to loosen our grip on the finished product and open ourselves to what may be revealed in the act of writing itself. The practice helps us move beyond habitual ways of seeing, thinking, and writing, allowing unexpected wisdom, connection, and compassion to emerge.
Our prompts may invite us to shift perspective, write from the body, engage objects in the world around us, respond to poetry or striking lines, explore imagination, or break familiar forms apart so something new can appear. The goal is not polished writing, but presence: to listen for what we need to hear, to honor what comes, and to witness one another with care.
In this group, we practice:
* letting go of control
* listening deeply
* welcoming surprise and epiphany
* honoring silence and reflection
* trusting the wisdom of the group
* writing from the heart, body, and spirit
* developing compassion for ourselves and others
* discovering community through shared contemplative practice
All are welcome. No writing experience is required; only a willingness to show up, listen, write, and be surprised.
Welcome,
Alisha Johnson Perry & Ellen Morris Prewitt, facilitators.
Group Schedule
We meet on Sundays from 5-6 PM CST via Zoom each week. Each meeting is stand-alone, with a rotating facilitator. You can attend as your schedule allows. We are a welcoming group. Some of us have been writing for awhile, but some of us are newly exploring it.
There is no charge to participate in the group.
Meeting Rhythm
The hour unfolds:
Begin at 5:00 PM CST.
Minute of silent reflection/arrival.
Check in on our writing this week.
Facilitator offers the writing prompt, which may be in several parts.
Writing on your own.
A period of sharing on how we experienced the prompt, or a short excerpt from what we wrote. Sharing is voluntary and optional.
Closing announcements.
Group Rules
The group is open to all persons, regardless of contemplative path or writing experience.
The group is a safe space, a sober space, and a confidential space.
Group interactions are based on mutual respect.
The group is facilitated through the SCL, but is run week to week by the volunteer facilitator for the week, and the members who show up that week. Facilitators should manage their meetings to the greatest benefit of the people in attendance as they see fit.
In Person Meet-Ups
From time to time the group organizes an in person meet-up or day retreat. This provides an opportunity for gathering ourselves together in contemplative community. We have had several such meetings in the past.
In 2025 we held an in-person writing group at Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Most recently In April of 2026 we had a day-retreat to Ship Island, Mississippi.
Here is a blog entry about that day.