About us
Welcome to Zen and the Art of Writing.
This group is for writers of all types, all levels, and all languages who seek to deepen their experience of writing.
It is based on the Zen-inspired principles of Natalie Goldberg, author of many books on writing, including the best-selling Writing Down the Bones.
From prompts like, "I'm looking at . . ." and "I'm thinking of . . ." to writing about memories of silence and things you forgot to say, the prompts will help you get started, find inspiration, focus on the details, and gain confidence.
Join us in discovering the transformative impact that inspired writing can have on your life.
"If you give yourself to honesty in your practice, it will permeate your life." — Natalie Goldberg
More About Natalie Goldberg
Natalie Goldberg is an American author, teacher, and painter best known for her groundbreaking book, Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within (1986) 📚. She is widely credited with starting a "revolution" in how writing is practiced in the United States by treating it as a form of Zen meditation.
She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has practiced Zen Buddhism for over 40 years. Her approach emphasizes that writing is not just about the final product, but a "practice" that helps you understand your own mind 🧠.
Natalie's Method
Natalie's method is often summarized as "Shut up, show up, and write." Here are her core principles for "Writing Practice":
-
Keep Your Hand Moving: ✍️ Don't pause to reread or edit; keep the pen moving across the page to outrun the "internal censor."
-
First Thoughts: ⚡️ Aim for the "place where energy is unobstructed by social politeness"—the raw, honest thoughts before your brain tries to make them sound "good."
-
Don't Cross Out: 🚫 Editing while you write is a form of self-judgment. Let the mistakes stay.
-
Specific Detail: 📍 Use concrete nouns and active verbs. She famously says, "Don't say 'fruit,' say 'apple.'"
Book Titles
| Book Title | Subject |
| ---------- | ------- |
| Writing Down the Bones | The foundational guide to writing as a Zen practice. |
| Wild Mind | A sequel focused on living the writer's life and overcoming resistance. |
| Long Quiet Highway | A memoir about her relationship with her Zen teacher, Katagiri Roshi. |
| Old Friend from Far Away | A guide and workbook specifically for writing memoirs. |
| Writing on Empty | Her 2024 book about finding your voice after a "dry spell" or burnout. |
Natalie also teaches workshops worldwide and is a prolific painter, often combining visual art with her writing practice in books like Living Color 🎨.
Upcoming events
15
Past events
6
