Writing Our Way Into Recovery: From Struggle to Serenity In Twelve Step Spirituality
When the transformational potential of creative writing meets the healing power of Twelve Steps spirituality, what is possible? Dive into this dual practice in this four-week online class with John Hudson.
The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are based upon classic and ancient spiritual practices, including surrender, self-examination, confession, making amends, daily prayer, and helping others. In this class we’ll use Twelve Step spirituality and creative writing to reflect on our experience as humans in recovery; from addictions, from lost hope, from anything that holds us back from our full potential. Each week the group will gather, center ourselves, and then explore recovery through the craft of writing, group discussion, and writing exercises. Participants can expect about an hour of work each week outside of class. John will meet one-on-one for a half-hour with each student, if interested. We will seek to create a community of trust, creativity, and joy.
Four Thursday evenings, 7 to 9 pm EST
January 14, 21 and February 4 and 11
Cost: $200 (scholarships are available)
*Limited to 10 participants.
Want an introduction?
Join Rev. John Hudson and author Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew for a conversation on how writing augments recovery and how the Twelve Steps support—and help heal—our creative process.
November 30, 7-8 CT
Free! (donations encouraged)
Who is this class for?
The class is for anyone in recovery (for at least one year), those who love someone in recovery and those curious about Twelve Step Spirituality. Writers of all stages, from beginners to experienced, are welcome. The class is limited to ten participants. Tuition is $200 and scholarships are available.
FAQs
What level of writing experience is expected?
The main requirement is a desire to improve/deepen writing and curiosity about craft strategies for better understanding ourselves through the written word.
How much sobriety is expected?
If in recovery, participants are asked to have at least one year of continuous sobriety. Folks are also welcome if they love a person/people in recovery or just want to know more about 12 step spirituality.
How much work outside of class?
Approximately one to two hours for writing and reading other class participants' work.
Will class be a safe and confidential space?
ABSOLUTELY! We will honor and hold as sacred any confidences shared, as in any 12 Step community.
Registration for the series:
Click here to register for the free introductory event!
About the Facilitator
The Reverend John F. Hudson is Senior Pastor of the Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ, in Sherborn, Massachusetts (pilgrimsherborn.org), has been sober for 14 years and is very active in the recovery community. He blogs at sherbornpastor.blogspot.com and is a resident scholar at the Collegeville Institute at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He’s the creator of “A Year at the Cinema” a Substack devoted to films that contribute to the good in our world. For twenty-five years he was a columnist whose essays appeared in newspapers throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.