On this episode of Restorative Reading & Writing for Wellness, I’m guiding you through a gentle restorative reading and writing session for when you need a bit of hope. It’s ideal for when things feel hard, for when life seems overwhelming and for when you’d like to brighten your outlook for the future.

Here’s a quick overview of how the guided sessions work:

* First, we begin with a bit of grounding and a few breaths to settle us.

* Then, I share a powerful short reading to orient our focus and launch our reflective writing.

* Following the reading, I guide you through three journaling invitations that build on each other and shift the energy on the page and in your body.

* Finally, we end with a short, yet powerful, affirmation to carry throughout your day and beyond.

Here are the books and writing prompts mentioned in this episode. You’ll find links to my Amazon and Bookshop affiliate stores below. Thanks for your bookish support!

The Path to Kindness: Poems of Connection and Joy edited by James Crews (Amazon / Bookshop)

Writing Prompts:

First:

* What line stayed with me?

* What did I feel as I read it?

* Where did I feel it? In my body? In my thoughts? In my emotions?

Second:

* What am I carrying right now that makes hope feel distant or fragile?

* Where, even faintly, might hope still be present in my life?

Third:

* What would it look like to stay close to hope, just for today?

Affirmation:

I choose hope.

Here’s the audio I used in the episode: Nature Healing Society

Once you’ve listened, I’d love to know what you think of this episode. Leave your thoughts in the comments!

One more thing: If you’d like printable restorative writing cards that help you explore hope in your life, join my Restorative Reading & Writing Circle on Substack!

Let’s Work Together!

I love to connect with others around our shared love of reading and writing.

Here are some ways we can work together to create a life you love where restorative reading and writing is at the center of it all:

🩷 Join my private Substack community for themed book calendars, bonus posts, book clubs and events each month!

📚 Connect 1:1 for personalized coaching to unlock the transformative power of your reading and writing life. Click here for bibliotherapy and click here for expressive writing therapy. Let’s work together!

Literate love is multiplied when it’s shared! 🩷

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