Riverwest Elders: Focus on Writing

by Lorraine Jacobs

Wisdom Gathering, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014 (see calendar)

“Don’t ask me to write.” “I’m just not creative.” “Hey, I don’t have a single idea to write about.” “What do you mean?” “What do you want?” OK, now pause, sigh, breath. Often descriptions and promises of personal writing or “expressive” writing include some scary, confusing expectations. Here are samples of what you may have heard about; “We’ll pull back the lens and observe events, human interactions and perspectives.”

Ouch! “Find metaphors for experiences and contextualize observations.” Huh? “A daily journal can be the bedrock of personal understanding and change.” Did you say daily? Oh my!

In November the Riverwest Elder’s Wisdom Gathering will offer a simple chance to write in a non-threatening environment. Erin Ede will lead us with gentle, thoughtful guidance. She may suggest, by offering a prompt, “Where Am I…in this moment of time?” We will be on our own to explore what this means.

There will be time for pondering the page, for thoughts to gel, to write and re-write. Rather than full, grammatically correct, and diagram-able sentences you may find that a stream of single words is sufficiently descriptive. If words fail, you might try sketching some of your ideas.

Ultimately, group sharing and listening is always offered. This is a chance to come out of your own thoughts into the bright world of being embraced by the acceptance and quiet listening of the group.

That is what the Riverwest Elders are all about! We come together to learn from each other (Wisdom). We come together to deepen our understanding of this stage of life, “The Third Age.” We also come together to support each other, to listen, talk, and share. No age or geographical restrictions apply! Join us and “Embrace your Inner Elder.”

At October’s Wisdom Gathering we were honored to have Kathy Larson join us. Kathy has been an ambassador for compassion in Milwaukee this past year. Now it is time for all of us to embrace this conscious way of living because it requires an inner, personal awareness each of us has to start noticing. Kathy challenged the members of the Riverwest Elders to live consciously with compassion and then share those moments with each other. Kathy asked us to start by doing one compassionate act each day and it starts with YOU.

Here are the points to remember:

First, you notice a feeling inside, something you have seen or heard just does not “feel right.”

Second, there is an “ouch” as we embody what just happened.

Thirdly, take action by asking ourselves, “What Can I Do?”

What you do may be large or small. Say a prayer or offer Meta. Stand up in a group, do not laugh at a slight or joke that is cruel. Who can you talk to about the situation? Find some allies. Start a movement that addresses the situation and builds a groundswell of energy. Any of these levels of action are appropriate and necessary at a given time, for you. Mostly, notice what is happening within, do not just walk on, and “forget it.”

 

Riverwest Elders Action Network is a diverse group of Riverwest and nearby neighbors, over 50 yrs. old. We come together to share wisdom, live to our full potential and give back to the community. For a full calendar of events, check the Currents calendar, pages 12-13, or sign up for email reminders by contacting Lorraine Jacobs 562-6608.

 

If You Go:

Wisdom Gathering/Potluck Lunch

Tuesday, November 11, 11:15am- 2:15 pm

Presentation starts at noon.

Linneman’s Riverwest Inn 1001 E Locust St.

Time for conversation and socializing.

BYO utensils/plates- for “earth’s sake”

Coffee generously provided by Fuel Café

Elders Calendar

Riverwest Elders Action Network

 “We are a diverse group of Riverwest and nearby neighbors, over 50 yrs. old. 

We come together to share wisdom, live to our full potential and give back to the community.

 

Walking Group

Saturday, November 1, 10:00 – 11:00 am

Meet at River Revitalization Found.

2131 N Riverboat Road

A gentle, steady walk along the river.

 

Planning Team Meeting

Monday, November 3, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Dry Hootch Coffee House

1030 E. Brady St. *Upstairs

We have fun and get a lot done too!

Come when you can and stay as your schedule allows.

Buy a beverage, bring a snack to share, (BBBSS).

 

Wisdom Gathering/Potluck Lunch

Tuesday, November 11, 11:15am – 2:15 pm

Linneman’s Riverwest Inn   1001 E. Locust St.

“Write a Letter to Yourself”

Erin Ede will facilitate writing/sharing.

Time for conversation & socializing.

BYO utensils/plates-for “earth’s sake’

Coffee generously provided by our friends at Fuel Café.

 

Craft & Art Group

Thursday, November 20, 1:00 – 3:30pm

Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts

926 E. Center St.

Skill Share w/Andrea:  Clay Tiles w/ Mosaic Detailing

Make your own tile.  Learn how to create a mosaic.

or

Bring individual projects to work on,

enjoy visiting & sharing.

 

Birthday Lunch Group

FRIDAY, November 21, 12:30 – 2:00pm

NOT the usual Fourth Thursday—

change, due to Thanksgiving Day.

Melthouse Bistro  1857 E. Kenilworth Pl.

Soup, Salads, Sandwiches   Vegetarian & Gluten free

It’s someone’s birthday, somewhere, let’s celebrate!

 

Games Group

Tuesday, November 25, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Dry Hootch Coffee House

There’s always a game planned or bring one to share.  Call Arlene  289-0806

&

Conversation Gathering

Tuesday, November 25, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Dry Hootch Coffee House

Buy a beverage, bring a snack to share (BBBSS).

 

RW Elders Contact person:  Lorraine  562-6608