Biaca

The speaker addresses a technical setup, confirming the presence of both virtual participants and those in a physical classroom.
Attendance tracking is emphasized as it is mandatory for the course.
The time commitment for the class is noted, with a particular focus on the weekend, highlighting its intensity due to the course's condensed duration.

Discussion about participation in the classroom and online, mentioning students present: Matthew, Sofia, Nicholas, and Bianca.
The speaker mentions the demanding nature of the course, illustrating the challenges faced by students during this accelerated mode of study.
Prayer and gratitude are expressed towards participants for their commitment.
Plans for a short break in the upcoming session are discussed, emphasizing intentional writing opportunities.

Bianca Mirazanella introduces herself as "The Paper Poet," sharing her mission to alleviate hardship through poetry and art.
The structure and focus of the session include discussion, writing, and sharing, particularly relating to the theme of trauma.
Emphasis on emotional vulnerability and poetic practices as a means of healing from suffering.

Bianca details a decade of experience in the domestic and sexual violence fields, sharing insights into the shared suffering of those causing harm and those affected by it.
Challenges the perception of binary roles (perpetrators vs. survivors) in trauma scenarios, advocating for a more nuanced understanding.
Explains her approach to trauma-informed care, focusing on the need for community connection, accountability, and healing.
Current focus includes recovery workshops and courses related to domestic violence, utilizing poetry as a healing tool.

Bianca discusses the Institute for Poetic Medicine as a non-clinical approach to poetry therapy, stressing accessibility and community values.
Poetry is presented as a form of wellness intervention, similar to art and dance therapies.
The objective is to create an inclusive environment in which participants can explore difficult subjects safely.

Establishes ground rules for engaging in the session, promoting confidentiality and respect.
Introduces the concept of a "brave space" to encourage vulnerability and addressing emotional responses without judgment.
Participants are encouraged to share additional guidelines if necessary, and common expectations for respectful engagement are reiterated.

Several inspirational quotes on poetry are shared, including one from Robert Frost about how poems begin with emotional discomfort.
Joy Harjo's quote emphasizes listening to poetry as a form of listening to the self and the world around us, enhancing awareness and connection.
Encourages participants to reflect on responses to the quotes and how they resonate with personal experiences.

Bianca reads a poem titled "What I Really Wanted to Say", which explores themes of childhood trauma and healing.
The poem metaphorically links cooking and familial relationships to personal trauma, manifesting through vivid imagery and emotional narrative.

Encourages group participation in a writing exercise focused on reflecting personal thoughts using the prompt: "What I Really Wanted to Say".
Instructs participants on expected outcomes, emphasizing that responses can take any form (poetry, prose, lists).
A seven-minute timed writing exercise is introduced with subsequent reflection and discussion of responses to personal pieces.

Participants are encouraged to notice emotional and physical responses to the writing exercise.
A break is suggested to allow for personal reflection and necessary adjustments before reconvening for further discussion.

Reinforces a collaborative atmosphere where every voice is valued and nobody is criticized.
The goal remains to build a supportive community for sharing creative expressions.

Following the break, more writing and sharing activities will continue to enhance understanding and personal healing through creative means.