Women’s Writing Circle with Stephanie Needham: The Second Half of Life, Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom
Join facilitator Stephanie Needham (RMT, B.Ed., M.Ed., Yin Yoga) for a 5‑week reflective writing circle inspired by cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien’s book The Second Half of Life.
This five-week writing circle offers a spacious, supportive environment for women wanting to explore the rich terrain of life’s second half. Engaging in Arrien’s The Second Half of Life, we will use guided writing, shared reflections and embodied practices to draw on the book’s themes – crossing thresholds, reclaiming inner authority, cultivating meaningfulness, and embracing the possibly new narrative of mature adulthood.
Each week, participants will be invited into a gathering of contemplative reading, personal storytelling and creative inquiry and insight. The book will be situated as a companion and catalyst. In this manner, its knowledge will spark insight, challenge fixed assumptions, deepen self understanding and offer light for the path ahead.
What to expect:
- A facilitated circle that honours confidentiality, mindful listening and the wisdom of lived experience.
- Guided writing prompts stirred by Arrien’s perspectives and cross-cultural teachings.
- Gentle discussion and dialogue, optional sharing cultivated to foster community connection without pressure.
- Weekly themes to explore the thresholds, challenges and opportunities of the second half of life.
- The encouragement of a critical reflective practice that supports awareness, clarity, renewal and wise praxis.
Who this circle is for:
This circle will appeal to women entering, approaching or already living in the second half of life. It is appropriate for those wishing to grow and age embracing the wisdom and experiences that come with midlife. It is for individuals who wish to deepen their relational skills with their own life experiences and continue to emerge from a creative reclamation of oneself in community. The course is intended illuminate life transitions as deeper connection to the inner resources supporting resilience, authenticity and wholehearted living practices.
Book reference:
Arrien, A. (2005). The second half of life: Opening the eight gates of wisdom. Sounds True Inc.
**Registration is for the full 5‑week series (May 14th, May 21st, May 28th, June 4th, & June 11th)**
Participants who register for the first session are automatically registered for all remaining sessions.
