I’ve heard that the soul takes a circuitous route. . . I graduated with a master’s degree in social work at the University of Louisville in 1983, then worked for seventeen years as a counselor in chemical dependency, mental health and wellness.
After a chance encounter with a book called Soul and the World by Robert Sardello, I began studying Spiritual Psychology. Much to my surprise, I began to write in different way. I had been a sporadic journal writer, more a whiner than a writer. My notes now sounded more like poetry. I was fascinated at the potential of writing to by-pass critical thoughts and get underneath to a voice that was kind, real, and “with it”.
In my community at the time, there was a local initiative to start a Waldorf school. Waldorf emphasizes that the teacher be present in a whole-hearted way and also emphasizes imagination and free play for children as the foundation for being wholly present and competent in the world. I completed a program in Waldorf Early Childhood Education at Sunbridge College and worked for five years at the school as a founding teacher and administrator.
I wanted to work with adults again. With the book by poet, Paul Matthews, Sing Me the Creation, I was able to open imagination in a new way for adults through writing groups. The free play is with language. There is a language of the heart and when together in a circle with agreement to work from the heart, magic happens.
Sharon Elliott
Atlantic Beach, Florida (on the east coast near Jacksonville)
904-535-0014 sharon@sharonelliott.com
