The Homes Quick Writing Help exercise By Karoliina Maanmieli, Finnish Association of Poetry and Writing Therapy
Note before starting:: Surprise is an important element of therapeutic writing exercises. So, do not look at the next section until you have completed the previous step. The task takes about an hour to complete. It works best if you can set aside a quiet moment to avoid interruption. If this is not possible, the task can also be done in parts.
1
First, choose a nature photo that tells about your current mood
2
Your homes List on paper all the homes you have lived in during your life.
3 Which of your homes is calling you right now?
Read through the list and choose the apartment that seems to have something positive or empowering to say to you right now.
4
Sense the home of your past Close your eyes and walk in peace in the apartment of your choice. Sense its atmosphere and details. What feelings are associated with the apartment? Are there any animals or plants in it? What details, colors, smells, sounds or sensations are associated with it? Do others live in this apartment? Who comes to visit? How do you experience other people? What is the atmosphere like between people?
5
Write the free flow of consciousness
Write about the apartment for 15 minutes without censoring or selecting. Read what you wrote
6
Write a letter to yourself from the past Write an encouraging, positive letter to your present self from your past self who was living in that apartment. What would she/he say to you to make you feel better or stronger?
7
Finally, choose a nature photo that tells about your current mood