70: Pay Attention, Be Astonished & Finding Awe with Elaine Brooks

Episode 70: Pay Attention, Be Astonished & Finding Awe with Elaine BrooksWhen did you last stop in your tracks and think: what if I never see this again?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Elaine Brooks, a certified poetry therapy mentor and certified applied poetry facilitator. Through her own work and teaching collaborations, Elaine helps people uncover their gifts and reclaim their stories using the Eight Wonders of Life framework. Her background as a registered nurse and integrative nurse coach has shaped a uniquely embodied approach to wellbeing, one rooted in the belief that awe is not a luxury but a quiet, transformative force available to all of us.In this warm and wide-ranging conversation, Elaine and I explore what awe actually is and how to recognise it in your own body, why the research of Dr Dacher Keltner has changed the way we understand wonder, and how the Eight Wonders of Life, from moral beauty and collective effervescence to music, nature, and those sudden aha moments, offer us everyday doorways into something larger. We also talk about the journalling technique of the captured moment, the two questions that can shift the way you move through the world, and how sharing stories of awe can deepen relationships and anchor positive memories more firmly in our bodies."What is the weight of the words that I put in my journal? And how many of them are often heavy because I'm writing about things that are going on that are troubling me. And that made me think, what about just kind of balancing that with some lighter words and really capturing moments of awe in my journal, along with the heavyweight words."In this episode:• The Eight Wonders of Life framework• The journalling technique of the captured moment• Two questions that change how you pay attention• How awe activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowers heart rate, reduces inflammation, and draws us out of overthinking • Elaine's encounter with a juvenile eagle and what it taught her about transformationPractical wisdom from this episode:Elaine shares grounded, accessible ways to invite more awe into everyday life, including:Practising the captured moment after an experience of aweKeeping the Eight Wonders in mind as a compassLooking for moral beauty in daily lifeListening to awe-inspiring music with intentionSharing your stories of awe carefully and with people who can truly hear themConnect with ElainePlease connect with Elaine to find out more about her work, upcoming workshops, and her forthcoming awe wellbeing project.WebsiteContact ElaineEmailAlso mentioned:The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi A Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dr Dacher Keltner Writing Wild by Tina Welling The Good Life Project podcastJohn Muir Laws Mary Oliver The Poetry Therapy Conference Today's Headline, poem by Rosemerry Wahtola TrommerPodcast Chapters00:00 Introduction to Awe and Wellbeing05:44 The Power of Journaling and Reflection12:38 Understanding Awe and Its Impact18:35 The Eight Wonders of Life37:01 Practical Ways to Cultivate Awe54:32 The Future of Awe and Wellbeing01:15:12 Introduction to Journaling and Community Engagement01:15:37 Exploring the Benefits of Journaling Workshops_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Writing with Purpose podcast and leave a review. It makes a real difference in helping more people find the show.Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | wherever you get your podcastsPlease download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links pageJoin my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

Episode 69: One Step at a Time: Alex Staniforth on Resilience, Nature, and the Mountains That Changed EverythingWhat does it take to keep going when everything falls apart, not once, but again and again?Alex Staniforth is a record-breaking adventurer, performance coach, author, and founder of Mind Over Mountains, a charity whose mission is to restore mental wellbeing through nature. Alex has overcome epilepsy, bullying, and mental health challenges whilst surviving two of Mount Everest's most significant disasters before the age of 19. He is the first and fastest person to run all 446 mountains in England and Wales, raising over £150,000 for charity.In this conversation, Alex and Anna explore how adversity shaped his relationship with the natural world, what two catastrophic events on Everest taught him about survival and gratitude, and why he believes that a single walk in the right place at the right time can genuinely change the course of a life. Alex speaks with characteristic honesty about burnout, mental health, and the harder question of what comes after the summit, when the goal is gone and the flatness sets in. He also shares how writing has been a constant thread throughout, from keeping a diary on the road to writing books that help him, and others, make sense of the journey.If I don't have any log of life, then it's so easy to forget it and I've got nothing to pass on. So yeah, that's how I see it really, as an investment."In this episodeHow one walk in the Lake District at age 14 gave Alex a sense of direction, confidence, and possibility he had never felt beforeSurviving two of Everest's worst disasters, and the lasting guilt and gratitude that followedThe founding of Mind Over Mountains and how combining walking in nature with professional mental health support creates something more lasting than a single retreatWhy planning for the aftermath of a big challenge matters as much as the challenge itselfHow writing, voice notes, and keeping a daily diary have informed Alex's booksAlex's advice for anyone facing their own mountainPractical wisdom from this episode:Alex talks about the value of keeping a daily record as a practical investment in memory and legacy. Even ten minutes the morning after, noting the key things from the previous day, is enough. He also talks about the importance of planning the recovery period before a challenge begins as a way to come down and have something to look forward to. And when the flatness comes, he suggests keeping busy but staying present, talking to people who were part of the experience, and accepting that processing takes time.Connect with Alex:WebsiteMind Over MountainsLinkedInInstagramFacebook YouTube Alex's booksAlso mentionedThe Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve PetersHarry Potter series by J.K. RowlingClimb the UK challengeUniversity of Chester Podcast Chapters00:00 Introduction05:14 The Power of Nature and Personal Transformation09:36 The Journey to Everest: Overcoming Challenges12:24 Commitment and the Drive to Achieve19:04 Fundraising23:30 Exploring New Sports and Personal Growth28:09 Writing as a Form of Expression33:48 The Birth of Mind Over Mountains37:37 Navigating Mental Health and Charity Work40:59 Balancing Challenges and Wellbeing46:28 Planning for Post-Challenge Mental Health51:17 Future Aspirations and Advice_ _ _ A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Writing with Purpose podcast and leave a review. It makes a real difference in helping more people find the show.Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | wherever you get your podcasts.Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links pageJoin my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

What if the earth has been speaking to you all along, and the page is where you learn to listen?Mary Reynolds Thompson is a British-born, award-winning author, poetry and journal therapist, and eco coach whose work weaves nature connection, wild language, and therapeutic writing into a path of soul recovery and re-enchantment with the earth.She teaches that the earth speaks to us through archetypes and symbols, and that by writing with these images, we can rewild both our languageand our souls.In this episode, Mary takes us on a journey that begins with a wild Bohemian childhood in Positano, roaming the hills, sleeping in caves, riding a pig called Romana, and travels through her years as a copywriter in London, her own addiction recovery, and her eventual turn toward the soul work that has shaped her books, courses, and therapeutic practice.This is a conversation about what it means to stop telling the small, fact-based story of your life and openyourself instead to the full expanse of who you are."You are a product of 13.8 billion years of evolution, nested in this very particular moment in a very particular way, with very particular gifts that you have to rediscover." Mary Reynolds ThompsonIn this episode:How a wild childhood in Positano with freedom, cave sleeping, and animals planted the seeds of Mary's nature-based philosophyMary's addiction recovery and the moment at the Pacific Ocean that showed her she was strong enough to surviveWhat the ‘wild soul story’ isHow wild language works: using earth archetypes as metaphors for your inner lifeWhy there is no getting it wrong in wild writingHow to take your journal outdoors and let nature lead: the ‘10 things I notice’ practiceA dialogue technique for communicating with the more-than-human world, trees, stones, and the living landscapePractical wisdom:Start with 10 things I notice. Take your journal outside and list ten things you observe. Try the short write. Three minutes, a springboard word or image, no agenda. Use landscape as emotional vocabulary. Instead of saying ‘I'm fine,’ ask yourself: which landscape am I travelling through right now? Open a dialogue with a tree or stone.Write with the archetypes. Each landscape archetype unlocks a different quality of attention and language.Connect with Mary:WebsiteInstagramFacebookMary's booksReclaiming the Wild Soul: How Earth's Landscapes Restore Us to Wholeness (Nautilus Prize winner)The Way of the Wild Soul Woman: 5 Earth Archetypes to Unleash Your Full Feminine PowerEmbrace Your Inner WildThe Wild ScribeAlso mentioned in this podcast:Raising Hare memoir by Chloe DaltonThe Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson BurnettSilver by Walter de la Mare - The Poem TreeKing John's Christmas by A.A. MilneMorning Pages by Julia Cameron (The Artist's Way)Kay AdamsJosé Ortega y GassetHawkwood Center for Future Thinking Podcast Chapters00:00 Introduction06:05 The Power of Poetry and Childhood Influences09:01 Wild Childhood Adventures in Positano12:46 Landscapes and Personal Transformation16:48 The Journey from Copywriting to Eco-Spirituality22:14 Authenticity in a Mechanised World24:22 Living Your Wild Soul Story26:33 Listening to Nature's Whispers31:46 Engaging with the Wild Language37:54 Reclaiming the Wild Soul42:57 Connecting with Nature through Journalling49:25 The Creative Process: Archetypes in Writing_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show. Thank you for listening. Join the Journalling Nook, an online community where we write for our wellbeing and personal growth.Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditationPlease connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links pageJoin my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#67 From Soldier to Civilian: The Journey of Transition with John StephensonIn this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I talk with John Stephenson, author of The Making of a Hunter: A Service User's Guide to Transition from the Armed Forces and Managing Director of Forces Transition Group. John reached the rank of Sergeant Major in the Army before founding an award-winning organisation that helps thousands of military and blue light personnel transition smoothly from service life to civilian careers.Our conversation explores the powerful transformation from service to civilian life and the identity shift that comes with leaving the military. John shares the story behind his compelling slogan 'Serve Well, Leave Well & Flourish', unpacks his framework of three types of people facing transition, the Sleepwalker, the Hoper, and the Hunter, and reveals why mindset is the foundation of everything. "You've got to take ownership. Nobody's going to do it for you. You can sit there and wait, but actually, if you want something, go and get it. Be proactive." In this episode:The three types of people in transition and how to become a HunterWhy mindset is the foundation of positive change – and how everyone can benefitThe five fundamentals framework for successful transitionReal struggles and practical solutions for service leaversHow Forces Transition Group grew from one to thousands"Everything starts with mindset. If you haven't got the rightmindset, you're not going to move forward. Positivity, self-awareness, and compassion - they're the three things that underpin everything." The conversation delves into the five fundamentals to success, the importance of community support through partnerships like Scotty's Little Soldiers and the Shine a Light Initiative, and practical advice for anyone navigating major life changes. Whether you're leaving the armed forces or facing a significant transition, this conversation offers wisdom to help you move forward with purpose and confidence.Connect with JohnTo learn more about the training, coaching and services provided to military service leaders, or to enquire about business or charitable collaborations, please get in touch with John.WebsiteEmail JohnLive Transition DayThe Making of a Hunter BookGood ReadsMaddison House PressFacebookInstagram"The skills that you've got from the military are transferable. You've just got to understand what they are and how to articulate them. Don't undervalue yourself."Also mentioned in this podcast:Another Door Opens by Eleanor TweddellCareer Transition PartnershipScotty's Little Soldiers charityShine a Light InitiativeForces Transition Group events and Hot Seat interview practicePodcast Chapters00:00 Introduction to John Stevenson and His Work08:52 The Importance of Transitioning Well14:31 Understanding the Sleepwalker, Hoper, and Hunter25:36 The Five Fundamentals of Transitioning30:35 Empowering Military Candidates33:14 Mastering Interview Skills36:22 Financial Literacy for Veterans37:13 Community Support and Partnerships43:31 The Journey to Authorship48:49 Engaging the Next Generation51:28 Future Plans and Collaborations_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Register for a free ‘Pen to Empowerment’webinarConnect with me on your preferred platformJoin my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

What happens when being productive starts making you feel hollow inside?In this solo chatting episode, I share my recent experience of getting stuck in what cognitive scientist Yousaf Aslam calls "output mode" - when your brain becomes trapped in constant productivity gear, shutting down the networks that support self-awareness, introspection, and creativity.After receiving an email that ‘hit me straight between the eyes, I recognised that despite being busy and productive, I felt numb, disoriented, and ironically, had stopped doing the very practice I teach: journalling.Episode HighlightsWhat is output mode?The irony of stopping the very practice that keeps you groundedLooking out for the recognition signsSimple micro-practices to restore self-awareness and creativityHow personal transformation shifts awareness"The goal isn't to stop being productive - it's to create space for the integration and processing that makes productivity meaningful rather than numbing."I share prompts around how to spot if you’re in output modeand ways to shift your mindset and behaviour to rekindle self-awareness, creativity and reflection. Also, news about my next upcoming conversation with John Stephenson discussing his debut book, "The Making of a Hunter: A Service User's Guide to Transition from the Armed Forces", out on 25 October 2025.Free ResourcesFreeJournal PlannerFree ‘Pen to Empowerment’ webinar – multiple dates availablePodcast Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection01:24 Understanding Output Mode05:30 Recognising the Signs of Output Mode07:20 Reflective Practices to Combat Output Mode08:16 The Importance of Journalling09:03 Creating New Patterns Through Awareness_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Register for my free Pen to Empowerment webinarConnect with me on your preferred platformJoin my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#65 Finding Your Authentic Voice: From Mental Health Recovery to Publishing Stories That Matter with Gemma HolgateIn this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Gemma Holgate, author, ghostwriter, and founder of Maddison House Press. Gemma's journey from post traumatic stress recovery to building a publishing house dedicated to meaningful stories demonstrates how finding our authentic voice can become a force for positive change in the world.After struggling to readjust to life in the UK following three years in New Zealand, Gemma faced a diagnosis of mild PTSD that became an unexpected catalyst for transformation. Learning to distinguish between her own voice and others' expectations led her to create a business model that helps thought leaders, change makers, and positive impact pioneers share their stories as "beautiful books" that inspire action and connection.From her grandfather's lost stories to her passionate stance that books must have "soul" in an AI-driven world, Gemma reveals how authentic storytelling becomes medicine for both writer and reader."The more I dug into who I am and what do I want that to be,the more me I was able to be. And you know, five years later in 2020, I left employed work and went self-employed."In this episode:How post-traumatic stress recovery revealed the difference between her voice and others' expectationsWhy Gemma's grandfather's untold stories sparked her mission to help othersThe "wraparound publishing" model that supports authors from idea to finished bookHer unique four-stage reader journey frameworkWhy she believes books should have "soul" and herconcerns about AI in publishingThe "Heather Small Journal" technique: asking "What have you done today to make you feel proud?""When you read something or you look at anything that's been created, it's about having that connection with the art itself, but then a connection with the artist as well."Gemma shares practical wisdom for aspiring authors, including:How to distinguish your authentic voice from conditioning and others' expectationsWhy having a clear plan prevents "waffling" and keeps your message on trackThe importance of identifying what you want readers to do after finishing your bookHow to structure non-fiction for maximum transformational impactConnect with GemmaTo learn more about Gemma’s books, publishing and talks, please connect with her by visiting the Maddison House Press website.WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn"At the end of a great book, you should put it down and say, 'now I'm going to...' And as an author, if you want to write a book, what do you want that dot dot dot to be in your reader?"Also mentioned in this podcast:Andrew Michael Hurley ‘Barrowbeck’Gwen Hayes ‘Romancing the Beat’William Nicholson ‘Wind on the Fire’ TrilogyJessica Brody ‘Save the Cat’R.L. Stine Point Horror Podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gemma Holgate10:37 The Power of Journalling15:25 Early Influences and the Love for Storytelling23:20 Navigating Mental Health and Finding Your Voice29:11 Transformative Experiences and the Healing Power of Stories29:31 Navigating Personal Boundaries in Storytelling32:17 Breaking Down Misconceptions Through Storytelling34:16 The Healing Power of Sharing Your Story35:28 The Multifaceted World of Publishing37:28 Authenticity in Writing40:03 Finding Inspiration in Nature43:59 Positive Impact in Storytelling51:02 Structuring Your Story for Maximum Impact55:13 Advice for Aspiring Authors_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform Join my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

What if the nature on your doorstep holds more healing power than distant wilderness adventures?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Nic Wilson, a Guardian country diarist, BBC Gardeners' World magazine writer, and author of the beautiful memoir 'Land Beneath the Waves.' Nic's story reveals how nature became her sanctuary as a child dealing with her mother's chronic illness, and how, decades later, when facing her own health challenges, local wildlife and nearby landscapes offered support and belonging.From her early memories in a Cheshire garden to becoming an insightful nature writer, Nic demonstrates how paying attention to the smallest details of our immediate environment can transform our understanding of home, memory, and resilience. Her work creating the first Peat Free Nurseries list shows how personal nature connection can evolve into meaningful environmental action."I think we hugely underestimate in our society the value of sitting in one place and looking at something for an extended period of time and seeing where that takes you."In this episode:How nature became a refuge during childhood when traditional memories failed to formWhy ‘nearby nature’ can be more powerful than distant wilderness for those with limited mobilityA lifelong affinity with wildlifeHow chronic illness led to discovering a true calling as a nature writerPractical ways to bring nature indoors when you can't get outsideThe creation of the UK's first Peat Free Nurseries list and itsenvironmental impact"If you're in a wild place, whether that's in the middle of a wood or whether that's sat on your front doorstep, which can still be a wild place, and you do slow down, wildlife tends to come more because you're sitting there and you're quiet and you're still."Nic shares practical wisdom for anyone seeking to deepen their nature connection, including:How drawing plants forces you to really see their intricateconstructionUsing the Merlin app to identify birdsong from your bed when mobility is limitedWhy bringing scents like mint or lavender inside can combatsensory overwhelmHow local wildlife groups can provide expert knowledge andcommunity connectionConnect with NicPlease connect with Nic on social media, visit her website or sign up for her newsletter to follow her journey and find out about workshops, talks, and her book. Read her Country Diary column on the Guardian online. WebsiteGuardian Country DiaryGardener’s WorldBlue SkyBookshop.org – order Nic’s book "We need stories ... We need narratives about it that have hooks that people are interested in and they remember."Also mentioned:Tom Cox Ring the HillMichael J. Warren The Cuckoo’s LeaNicola Chester Ghosts of the FarmAlan Garner The Weird Stone of BrisingamenRobert Westall The Wind EyeTerry Pratchett The Wee Free ManTrevor Dines Urban PlantsElizabeth Tova Bailey Wild Snail EatingMerlin Bird AppPodcast Chapters03:58 The Connection Between Place and Identity06:45 The Role of Nature in Writing and Healing09:37 Influences from Literature and Experience12:21 Childhood Memories and Their Impact15:11 The Importance of Sensory Experiences17:51 Breaking Down Boundaries20:53 Journalling and Self-Discovery23:30 Reflections on Nature and Society26:29 The Future of Nature and Wildlife Awareness35:47 Creative Journalling and Personal Expression40:33 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge in Nature Writing43:34 Bringing Nature into Daily Life for Those with ChronicIllness48:39 The Importance of Observation and Connection58:07 Peat-Free Practices_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner Please connect with me on your preferred platformJoin my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#63 Forest Bathing and The Honest Journal: Somatic Healing Through Nature and Writing with Kate BusbyWhat if a slow walk through the forest could literally change your body chemistry and heal stored trauma?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Kate Busby, a trauma-informed somatic practitioner who specialises in forest bathing and aromatherapy. Based in Barcelona, Kate expertly weaves together the science of somatic healing with the transformative power of nature and journalling. From understanding how our bodies store trauma in our muscles and fascia to discovering how pine forests emit healing particles that last for seven days, Kate shares profound insights about the intersection of physical and emotional wellbeing.Kate's journey from corporate marketing to holistic healing illuminates how we can balance high-energy pursuits with practices that help us regulate our nervous systems. Her creation of 'The Honest Journal' and her involvement in the Barcelona Journaling Festival demonstrate how writing becomes a bridge between our inner experiences and outer transformation."We are 70 to 75% water and sound passesthrough water as vibration. How can we not be in some way impacted by the sounds around us?"In this episode:The fascinating science behind forest bathing: howphytoncides and negative ions literally change your body chemistryWhy trauma stores itself in our muscles and fascia, and how practices like yoga and massage can help release itHow Kate's sciatica disappeared when she addressed her fears about career transitionThe powerful story of a relationship crisis resolved through tree meditation and pine cone wisdomHow sound healing works through our water-based bodies to shift our vibrational frequencyThe iterative process of creating 'The Honest Journal' and why honesty with ourselves is revolutionary"When you choose slowness and go to a place where you can really be quiet and ask the important questions and observe life around us, we get answers. Somehow and in some way that we weren't expecting, but we get answers."Kate shares practical guidance for anyone seekingto integrate somatic healing into their lives, including:How to start journalling with prompts that make you "a little bit uncomfortable"Why combining slow forest walks with journalling circles creates powerful transformationHow to create your own mandala in nature as a non-verbal form of expressionWays to use AI as a journalling companion for greater self-awarenessConnect with KatePlease connect with Kate to learn more about her teachings, forest baths, the Do Nadā Club, and her new journal.Instagram"Journalling is such an opportunity to get to know all parts of you and to accept all parts of you and to nourish and in some cases, tone down potentially some parts of you."Also mentioned in this podcast:The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkThe Barcelona Journalling Festival Podcast Chapters00:00 Introduction to Holistic Healing Practices03:31 The Science Behind Sound Healing06:08 Exploring the Impact of Trauma on the Body09:14 The Role of Self-Care in Healing11:54 Understanding the Connection Between Mind and Body14:47 Personal Anecdotes and Insights on Healing17:34 Conclusion and Reflections on Holistic Practices20:06 The Essence of Forest Bathing29:16 The Science Behind Nature's Healing37:38 Journalling as a Tool for Self-Discovery45:01 AI and the Future of Journalling53:19 Connecting with Nature and Community_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links pageJoin my Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

What if your journal could literally rewire your brain forhappiness and resilience?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined byDeborah Ross, a licensed professional counsellor, certified journal therapist, and co-author of the renowned book Your Brain on Ink. Deborah's work sits at the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic writing, exploring how our brains respond to Journalling and how we can harness this knowledge for deeper wellbeing. From understanding why traditional gratitude practices sometimes fall short to discovering the transformative power of awe in our writing, Deborah shares insights from her work in cancer centres, her teaching at the Therapeutic Writing Institute, and her groundbreaking research intoneuroplasticity."Your brains are like Velcro for negative experiences andTeflon for positive. This isn't a character flaw – it's a survivaladaptation."In this episode:How neuroplasticity means your brain is constantly changing – and how journalling can direct that changeWhy we actually have four brains (skull, heart, gut, andrelational) and what this means for writingThe science behind why gratitude practices often fail and how to fix themHow to move from "raging on the page" to trulytransformative healing through the "composting" metaphorWhy awe experiences create deeper neural pathways than surface-level gratitudeThe revolutionary question that can transform any journalling practice: "What am I making up about this?""How do I compost it? And then what am I going to nourishwith that compost? "Deborah shares evidence-based advice for anyone looking to harness the neuroscience of writing, including:How to reframe gratitude statements to actually register as positive in your brainWhy embodied writing (engaging all your senses) creates lasting positive neural pathwaysThe importance of approaching your journal with "kindness, compassion, and curiosity"How to use awe experiences as a more powerful alternative to basic gratitude practices.Deborah's passion for evidence-based healing shines as she discusses the four-brain system, the science behind why our minds cling to negative experiences, and how we can use writing to consciously direct our neural development. Whether you're curious about the brain science behind writing or looking to deepen your own journalling practice, this episode offers profound insights and practical tools.Connect with DeborahPlease connect with Deborah to learn more about her fascinating research and teaching programmes.Website "Wellbeing is a skill that can be learned. And one of the most accessible ways to develop that skill is sitting right in front of you: a blank page and a pen."Also mentioned in this podcast:Chi Running – Danny DreyerIra ProgoffDan Siegel E.O. WilsonDacher KeltnerElaine BrooksThe Great Diary ProjectRichard DavidsonPodcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deborah Ross and Her Work12:23 The Role of Reading and Writing in Childhood25:59 Intersection of Neuroscience and Journalling37:21 Expanding Perspectives Through Diverse Experiences39:57 Opening Doors to Growth42:24 Exploring Self-Reflection44:51 The Importance of Structure47:53 Myths and Assumptions49:30 The Evolution of 'Your Brain on Ink'53:13 Cultivating Awe01:01:33 Metaphors and Their Impact on Perspective01:04:53 The Stories We Tell Ourselves01:07:09 AI and the Future of Storytelling_ _ _ A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going. Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links pageJoin my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

#61 The Healing Power of Words: Exploring Bibliopoetry Therapy with Nancy ScherlongWhat if the words you write could heal your mind, body, and soul?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I’m joined by Nancy Scherlong, a writer, coach, therapist, and former president of the International Federation for Bibliopoetry Therapy. Nancy’s career spans decades of helping people heal through the transformative power of writing, poetry, and storytelling. From her early days journalling as a child to her groundbreaking work in bibliopoetry therapy, Nancy shares how words can unlock creativity, process trauma, and foster deep personal growth.Nancy’s passion for helping others shines through as she discusses her journey, the power of metaphors, and how we can all use expressive writing to improve our wellbeing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone looking for a new way to connect with yourself, this episode is packed with insights and practical tools.“I use writing to internalize the good things and hold onto them, so I have them … like a snapshot the way we would use a camera to capture that moment.” In this episode:What is bibliopoetry therapy, and how can it help you heal?The role of metaphors in improving wellbeing and unlockingcreativityHow Nancy’s personal experiences shaped her career and approach to therapySimple journalling techniques to process emotions and find clarityThe neuroscience behind writing and its impact on the brainHow group work and storytelling can amplify the healing process “Creativity is largely about can we have a different view or can we find our agency in a stuck situation like writer's block or after an accident. And that sort of innovation is what helps the brain stay neuroplastic and adapt and thrive, not just survive."Nancy shares practical advice for anyone looking to start ordeepen their journalling practice, including:Why there are no rules in journalling – creativity is your guideHow to use writing to externalize worries and internalize joyThe power of combining movement (like walking) with reflective writingWhy metaphors are a natural and powerful tool for self-discoveryConnect with Nancy Please connect with Nancy to learn more about her work, to book onto an event or further our conversation. WebsiteFacebookLinkedInEventbrite"Sometimes we just have to put the judge outside the door … because so many people, especially with writing, have been told they do it wrong or they're not good at it … that can be a barrier … Creativity does not have rules.”Also mentioned in this podcast:The International Federation of Bibliopoetry TherapyKay AdamsThe University of Derby Nature Connectedness Research GroupJames PennebakerEmily DickinsonMatt HaigMalcolm GladwellTim FerrisNeuroscience NewsDeborah RossNarrative MedicineThe Good Listening ProjectPodcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:52 Understanding Interactive Bibliopoetry Therapy06:30 The Power of Expressive Writing Techniques09:23 The Role of Creativity in Healing12:00 Nancy's Path to Becoming a Therapist14:43 The Impact of Personal Experience on Professional Growth17:50 The Intersection of Science and Creativity20:17 Reading and Writing as Lifelong Practices22:55 Journaling Techniques for Personal Growth31:52 Creative Approaches to Self-Expression36:18 The Power of Metaphors: Nature and Wellbeing45:28 Exploring Therapeutic Techniques: From Writing to EMDR51:52 Future Endeavours: Merging Storytelling and Healing_ _ _ A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links pageJoin my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter