Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Diving Deeper. Isn't that just the most wonderful metaphor for so much that's fascinating and worthwhile in life?


Gaia Networking is thrilled to dive deeper, for a few days, with a treasured Gaia Friend of mine, Sandra Jensen. I think if there were such an official title as Community Elder, Sandra would definitely be one. Her primary faces to the world are writer, and teacher of writers, but she is so much more!

This will be an amazing opportunity to be enriched and uplifted by all that she offers us. Her profile contains a rich abundance of links not only to her writing, but to some quotations she loves, and to other folks' writings and videos, including Gaia blogs, she thinks we might find worthwhile. Plus, an extra special bonus, on her profile there is a gizmo by which you can hear her voice!!!!!

I strongly hope everyone will read through her extraordinary profile!!! Then join our conversation with your responses, questions, etc.

Sandra is not only a published author, she also teaches/coaches/supports other budding creative writers using a very special process. She does this in writing retreats all over the world and she generously offers this to Gaians, via  Diving Deeper: A Writing Workshop, the Gaia group she facilitates, with her team of moderators.

I consider Sandra to be a “Community Elder” not through age, but through the dedication, the blood, sweat, and tears she has poured into various collaborations and projects over the years, helping this Community function at its best.

I am honored to facilitate these few days of our focus on Sandra. There are so many aspects of her to learn about and appreciate, so much I've been wanting to ask her and know about, and this is my chance!! Oh, and your chance, too !!!!!!

Sandra, by the way, currently lives in Ireland, which is about 8 hours later in the timestream than where I live in the USA Pacific Northwest. So we'll all need to be mindful of all the time differences as we chat in this thread.

Sandra describes her teaching approach this way, in her orientation provided for new members of Diving Deeper.

Diving Deeper is a method developed out of the Freefall technique taught to me by Barbara Turner Vesselago. Freefall is an extraordinary process, one which has turned many  from “I want to be a writer” to being writers.  Because the method so beautifully mirrors the spiritual and meditative journey I am on, for me the process is not just about writing, but about living: in the moment, honest and direct as we know how, as risk taking as we can be, deeply alive with all our senses to the world inside and outside.

Sandra, is this still true for you? Can you say more about this? And how did you decide to start your online coaching here in the Diving Deeper workshop? How do you (and members) experience it differently from your in-person teaching?

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Sandra, I know you in so many places, and though your name brings up Diving Deeper to mind; surprisingly, it's through other venues that I know you.

We met when Gaia was Zaadz, and you were one of the community leaders who helped to formulate our ideas, feel free to share our feelings and thoughts, and take a 'let's see what I can do' approach.

I have been honored to be with you as a founding member of The Mod Pod, where you guided the initial steering group into developing this initiative where group cultivators and moderators on Gaia can share resources to help make their groups more vibrant.

More will unfurl as we dive deeper [sorry, couldn't  help it!]– but I wanted to jump in and say- hi dearest friend.

One of your recent blogs I really enjoyed is Don't let your boyfriend talk to the plants…. Posted on Jun 28th, 2009 by Sandra

Delightful! [like that cat]

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Magic with a capitol S ~ Sandra, You have such a great voice in text and breathe life into Gaia. You bring all text alive & help so many on this site with your writing skills. I look forward to embracing this feature along with everyone else.  Your blog on Language is Holy is the one that pulled me in today.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Sandra - I am so excited for this feature.  Not only is your profile page amazing, your blog and your website are as well.  I admire the way you wordsmith and look forward to learning more about you on a personal level in this feature.  

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

What a wondrous being to feature… Thank you mods for getting it all together once for a wonderfulled journey diving deeper with Sandra! 

I joined Diving Deeper some time back, chatted with Sandra a bit because that is the process of joining and being part of Diving Deeper writing group. Sorry to say I did not take the opportunity to write and had moved way from the group somewhat… even though of late I see a lot of new activity there. 
Anyway I look forward to expanding my knowledge of Sandra… Welcome to the feature! 

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

hi Sandra! i've seen you around Gaia..though i've not yet talked to you. i'm excited for you to be featured here! how neat! Nice to finally meet and greet you!

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hi, Sandra, I have seen you hurrying around the corner a time or two and am delighted to be able to read your words on a more significant level and to learn from you.  I didn't know this place existed until I received the invitation and I'm glad to have been included.   

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hello Sandra, my name is carlton, and I haven't been with Gaia for long but have been enjoying it a lot.  I looked at your profile and listened to your voice,  I'm not a writer but I'm sure that I can learn a lot from you.  I live in the the heart of the United States, in southern Illinois.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

I'm not sure what happened to my message of respect and appreciation for ALL that Sandra is.  Somehow it has disappeared.  It is clear that there was a message, for she responded to me below.

Life is a whole.  There are shades of black, white and gray.  Any really good writer employs all of these shades of being - fearlessly - for credibility and depth.  Some  prefer not to acknowledge that the less agreeable aspects of life even exist.  Revisionist history comes from such.  

What I wrote to Sandra here, touched upon the times I have had to face my own Fears.  Imagining what might be in the darkness I have found myself within.  Sandra has been a part of my walking in the darkness with coyotes and other scary things, like Andrew or being judged.  She remains part of my experience here as well.

My courage to face such is there in Diving Deeper and here too.  I believe that both Sandra and I are able to recognise that all that there is, has been created by one Source, though the reason some things exist may not be clear to our limited human understanding.  Such is simply part of being alive in a human incarnation here on Earth.

Deep bows to Sandra 
and hugs for the mods of GN -
Deb

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Yikes, Deb, I have no idea how that happened. I have emailed you the text which was in one of my emailed Notifications, so you can repost it in its original position in the thread, which I told you in the email. I'm so glad you spotted that it was gone. I am flummoxed. If that happens again, or to anyone else, please speak up!!!!!!!

Love, OM

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

(Thanks to OMs excellent skills as an administrator, my dear friend has retrieved the original post for me.  Thank you sincerely.  Deb)

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

I'm glad this got reposted dear.. I did reply when it was first up, very briefly.
You are truly one of the most supportive and generous people I've met here on Z/G, it's always so good to 'see' you… and, I still remember your lovely piece on DD ”Walking with Coyotes“…

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Well, everyone. I'm overwhelmed by this beginning, here, what a welcome. Thank you.

It's late for me here in Ireland so this might be short for starters… I'll plunge in more deeply tomorrow… but let's see what comes right now.

I have seen you hurrying around the corner a time or two

sandi, you made me laugh!

I do feel like this these days (months?). In fact I rather feel I'm doing it right now.

It wasn't always this way for me here on Gaia. I remember the 'old' days, yes, with you dear Deb, when this wonderful place started. Not that my 'hurrying' is about Gaia, I think it's about life, my life with a small 'l' and Life with a capital L. 

But back to details… Deb, no, I didn't know about Andrew. Thank you for telling me, (and thank you thank you for supporting me to go to the Deena Metzger retreat. Maybe we can talk about my experience there later).

suni! HI! I love your wolf pictures (here's one from my collection); and Jeff, lovely to see you here, I'm looking forward to connecting more; and you too, Laurie - you've been so sweet and 'there' for me in the past while, I appreciate that.

carlton.. nice to meet you! I'm not sure if I have anything to teach anyone really. Even in the writing workshops, I'm not teaching writing - I don't think it can be taught. Encouragement is probably the core of what I do – I think we all need it, it gives us confidence, and with enough of that, we can learn and find out for ourselves whatever we need to know.

Kes, and Meenakshi, well, such appreciation from me coming both your ways, as ever.

Om. Your questions… such big questions. I think for now I'm just going to answer this easy one:

How did you decide to start your online coaching here in the Diving Deeper workshop?

I had absolutely no plans of starting a group here on Gaia ( or pod on Zaadz, as it was then). I had no experience of working in that way online, and it never crossed my mind to find out how to do it.

I was blogging & reading other blogs here quite a bit, and stumbled across a blog by the wonderous Happiness / AlexNoble - this was in April of 2007, and it was one of her Wisdom for Writers pieces. I felt really connected to what she wrote, and to her.  She told me about the “Camp Happiness Creative Writing Workshop” the pod she had just started. I told her about my 'real life' Diving Deeper workshops, and in true Happiness style within days (hours?) I was 'on board' as a moderator on Camp Happiness, and then, again within days or just hours she said something along the lines of “I think you should do take over”…

And, to cut a long story short, I did.

Happiness handed over the 'cultivator' status to me. They were heady days those. The group already had about 80 members, most of whom I did not know! But it was fun and very exciting.

Over time I developed the group to fit more into my own work. It was not difficult - the original mission of Camp Happiness was closely aligned with my own approach, merging spirit and creativity, writing in particular.

So that is the story of how DD started..

I think I'll leave it at that for now. Night night everyone!

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hello Sandra… I feel a little like Sandi in that I have most often shown up where you have been rather than where you are (we can blame it on the time difference). Hearing your voice for the first time today is so congruent with how I experience your written work.

I'm looking forward to your feature and all that will surface from the depths of our conversations.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hi Sandra!

Oh this is going to be fun! Thanks to everyone for linking their favorite pieces for the rest of us to 'discover' thru this Featured Member thread! I loved the 'Plants' link Meenakshi and I'm off to read more…

Diving Deeper was one of the first 'pods' I joined at the encouragement of a Zaadz friend. I left a fish story there and realized that writing was… difficult, to say the least! I'm going to leave the writing up to the ones with the talent and do what I do best… read all the wonderful content put to the screen for us!

So good to get to know you better, Sandra!

Smiles!

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Dear Sandra,

I enjoyed being a member of Diving Deeper very much and since then I have greatly appreciated the presence of this unique Gaia workshop for writers, which provides such amazing support and guidance in developing their skills. 

How delightful that you are being featured here this week!

Love,

Nicole

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

 Dear Sandra,       I'm thinking this is going to go very deep and I need a diver's watch to remind myself to come up for air.  Being a Water Dragon, I tend to blow bubbles instead of fire.  Deep breath…….. okay!  I'm ready!  ( large splash )             


Much thanks,
Sandi

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hi Sandra,

Eventhough I haven't been part of your Diving Deeper pod I have heard some wonderful things about it. And when I had the pleasure to meet with you I was
happy to learn some.
I am looking forward to this sharing with you here and getting to know you better through it.

Have a wonderful inspiring week,
hugs,
Lucienne

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Sandra - Thank you for the link to the April 2008 “Wisdom for Writers” piece by Wisdom/AlexNoble.  In reading it I can see why you resonated with it.

I have a question for you.  In the “About this group” section of Diving Deeper, it says the following:

Do you feel compelled to write,  but something is stopping you from getting on with it?

Do you feel you have a story to tell, or simply something ‘to say’ but don’t know how to start, or how to continue?

Are you looking for a deeper connection to your self, or a sense of fulfillment?

What if a person does not have any trouble writing, starting, or continuing?  What if they are a writer and/or published author who would simply enjoy the company of other writers?  

I would appreciate your thoughts. 

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

I'm back, scurrying about as per usual! Thanks Terrill…fellow virgo (and talk about inspiring profiles, your's is just amazing)…and Nicole, so sweet of you to drop by. You and I have gone through a lot here, perhaps more than most. I'd say our friendship is a testament to being willing to stick things out, rough and smooth. Thank you.

Amber! I miss you on Diving Deeper. I'm not going to let you get away with saying you don't have talent. Your Mr Fish's Adventures is still one of my favourites.. everyone… go and have a read..

and sandi. I'm thinking how in fact we can go 'splash' here. I'll answer Om's questions… but perhaps there are others? – about anything at all? Be nice to feel as if we are in a cosy cafe… chatting… letting things arise… I'm available for anything at all.

Om asked: Sandra, is this still true for you? Can you say more about this? Of what I said about the Diving Deeper process:

“that the process is not just about writing, but about living: in the moment, honest and direct as we know how, as risk taking as we can be, deeply alive with all our senses to the world inside and outside.”

I like to think it is still true. I believe if our lives are not authentic, close up, always looking, available, vulnerable…. then our art will be affected.

Earlier this year, I went through a very difficult period, internally. I felt as if the river of my life had stopped, that I was a desert inside. I managed to write, but it felt like an empty toothpaste tube being squeezed. It was then I thought about Deena Metzger, and with the help and support of many here, I attended her writing retreat. I wrote a little about my experience here,  this is a small snippet: “what I realised, and indeed what I had hoped for, was to find a way to nourish something in me so that I could go on writing. This was another large part of the week - how do we live, in each moment, in a way that serves our writing? That nourishes the river from which writing - the deepest and most transformatory stories, can arise. I feel I have been given a thread to follow to the river. Before I arrived, I had lost the thread.”

I'm still integrating and working with what happened at the retreat, looking at the next level for my writing (next depth? there must be a good diving term to use!).

But, the backbone of my writing has always and always will be Freefall, and the process of Freefall is very much about taking a leap into the void, writing 'fearwards', being willing to write about anything - absolutely anything, as close up as possible. It makes for very intense writing - and reading. I've seen it time and time again with people who apply the process.

I loved Freefall partly because it 'worked' ( I discovered it about 14 years ago and it was like someone had turned on the writing 'tap' for me); and partly because it was so similar to work I had done with spiritual teachers, in particular Paul Lowe, (who was once Osho's 'right hand man'). Paul was able to encourage people to climb out of their safety tanks… all the behaviours and oughts and shoulds… with him I learned that it was okay to be me, whatever that was, and in fact it was infinitely preferable to 'trying to be' someone – trying to be liked, trying to fit in, etcetera. Basically he shone a light on all the things we do that are fundamentally dishonest – to ourselves and to other people.

It's the same with writing - if I try to write 'well', to impress, to serve some personal agenda… the writing will not be alive or free.

I also studied briefly with the extraordinary David Hykes, who teaches Harmonic Chant. Well, he teaches people how to listen, to truly listen. Out of this space beauty arises. Again, it's the same with writing – it is about listening…. being totally present with ones senses…

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Laurie: What if a person does not have any trouble writing, starting, or continuing?  What if they are a writer and/or published author who would simply enjoy the company of other writers? 

It's a great question, and I should probably amend the “About this Group” details a bit. Many of the members are experienced writers.

Writing is such a solitary process. I started teaching to alleviate this, to commune with other writers. For me the DD group here is very much about community, a place to feel not so alone in one's writing world. And there are times - in all writer's lives, no matter how experienced they are - when I need encouragement, when my muse feels dry, and here too I need the company of others to support me through to finding my source again.

However, that being said, I think one of the most valuable aspects of the group is that it does support people to give voice, helping people put words to stories that have remained hidden or suppressed because they feel they are not 'good enough' or they 'can't write'. For me this is one of the most rewarding aspects of the group, when someone takes a leap and writes something they thought they could not.

Lucienne.. :-) was so lovely meeting you 'in person' in Amsterdam that time, with Kathy.. I wish we could beam everyone there together, right now.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Sandra -

Thank you for that thought-filled answer.  Another question, if I may …

Are the majority of the members in the Diving Deeper group fiction writers, non-fiction writers, or a combination thereof?

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

The members of Diving Deeper are a combination of all those and everything inbetween. The approach to writing that is encouraged 'works' for all genres, including non-fiction and poetry. And, probably since my own predilection is for fiction and 'creative non-fiction', I'd say that there is more of this kind of writing than others. But not always. Have you read some of Ramsses' work? The Canticles of Tut, for example… Ramsses writes a lot of poetry, and these marvellous 'memoirish' flashes.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Just dropping by to say thank you for wonderful links, and most interesting words. Sandra, also thank you for being willing to reveal yourself and give up the time it takes..but DD is a way of life for many of us,and the rewards are rich. This sharing here always fills my heart, and my mind….expands me as a human. I am in gratitude.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

mmm.. thank you, waterheart. I just wandered over to 'your place' and read The Suprise. It's very beautiful…I'd love to see such things on Diving Deeper.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Sandra,  you've lived in many different places. Can you describe how this reflects in your life and/or your writing?

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

I like this question, Meenakshi!

My stories are set in many different countries - South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, Canada, Greece, Ireland. All countries I spent a lot of time in, so for sure, living in those countries feeds into what I write. I'm actually surprised how many 'South African' stories I have, since I left when I was seven. Perhaps there is something much stronger going on in terms of influence - a cultural/family/genetic thing? Memories that go beyond our own lived experience even, perhaps.

As for writing 'on the move' - as I have done for the past two years, well, it's hell. Maybe that is too strong a word, but it's not at all easy for me to get down to deep work if I am always thinking about what to pack, unpack, the logistics of house moves, acclimatizing to new countries.. (I've moved every 6 months in the past 2 1/2 years, and not just house, but country).

But travelling always 'feeds' me. I find different places, different climates, different people all give me energy. What matters is  how it's done - the impetus behind the travel. The house moving thing wasn't planned, it just happened – and has been very stressful. But travelling, say, as I did recently to California and then British Columbia and then Toronto, that was wonderful and energizing!

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hello everyone!

I am currently a Monthly Moderator on DD and I think it is awesome because I am a non English speaking person (meaning it is my thrid language) and I get to do this exercise. I just love Sandra and what she has done for me and with my writing.

I always thought that I was only fiction writer and a poet. No non-fiction for me, thank you! But thanks to Sandra I have written a manuscript of 50 000 words in non-fiction style and it didn't feel bad at all.

The freefall method is so organic and the method of moderating/commenting on each others pieces is just mindblowing. We don't give critics in 'normal' way as they tend to do in schools etc. for writers. No, we engourage things that work and the things that don't work falls off sooner or later without pain or blokage. This is just one most artist-noursihing way to make 'shy' writers blossom. Or any writer in that matter.

I am so happy that you Sandra get featured here. And I am in amazement that I get all the support in my writing for free on DD. That, my fellow Gaiams, is such a treat.

Creative process for me has become almost the only way in my strive to seek “enlighment”. So many teachings failed, I find my way through writing and painting so it is almost like I used no words, though writing them and diving fearwards.

Thank you Sandra - I love you.

xo

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Nono.. so lovely to have you here! Especially since you have your hands full with being one of DDs MMs! (we have a new feature on Diving Deeper, a brilliant idea by Nono, which is that we now have special Monthly Moderators - in addition to our LTMs - long term Mods). And, you writing 50,000 words had nothing to do with me dear, and everything to do with YOU. Besides which, I was kinda grumpy at first about the whole NaNoWrMo thing. You can blame your 50,000 words on Gabriele, it's all her fault!

By the way everyone, did you know that Nono is an extraordinary painter as well as extraordinary writer? Check out some of her work here.. and I'll post one below.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Wow, this is all so marvelously interesting!! I am like someone who turned on a faucet, and now out is pouring delightful nectar, not just water!!!!!

I too had that question about places you've lived, so I am glad Meenakshi asked. 

I'd like to share a list from your profile, of things you have had published, and ask you if there's anything newer you would like to add. Also, I'd love to know which of these are special to you, and perhaps what downstreams you have experienced from any of the publications, like, contacts from interesting people, or other offers, or feedback of some sort.
——————

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

OM. you do like to ask the deep questions, don't you! Ever thought of diving in with us at DD?? ;-)

IOW, is there a theme or message running through all your writing, or something you are trying to express to the world through it all? And if so, do you have a sense of purpose, of affecting the world in a particular way?

I was at the West Cork Literary Festival recently, and someone asked me this question. Actually that's not true. What happened was I attended a seminar given by Rory Kilalea, a wonderful Zimbabwean (Irish heritage) flim maker / writer.  The first thing he said was, “You all need to know exactly who you are writing for. Like Oprah knows exactly who she is doing her shows for.” Well he said it far more eloquently and punchily than that. He talked at length about how, if one wants to be successful, one has to know one's audience, just like Oprah.

I rebelled at this concept. I don't write for an audience (which doesn't mean to say I don't want my work to be read).

I write, true to Freefall precepts, 'what comes up'. I do not plan what I'm going to write. I may, at the most, have a line or something, an image, maybe.. the very briefest of moments, that inspires something. But even then mostly I have no idea what I'm going to write, or what is going to happen.. I find out as I go along.

So, to answer your question(s), OM. There is nothing I am consciously, overtly, trying to express.

But, when I heard what Rory said, I was a bit bothered. So, I asked HIM who he was writing for. I won't be able to say exactly what he said, he was a bit taken aback that I asked him, but said I was quite right to do so. He did manage to come up with something I found very inspiring, something I could relate to. He spoke about wanting to reach the individual, particular people, with his work. People who cared about the world. He was more specific than this, much more specific but I have extended seniors moments and can't tell you what the specifics were, other than they were inspiring.

Then, I took it upon myself to answer the question myself.

Over the past couple of years I have realised that there are themes running through my work. Most of my stories explore or touch on themes of personal - and universal - guilt and redemption.

One story - the first I ever got published - revolves around a Mexican girl who was killed during a border crossing, and the horse who saw what happened, and who wants to return to where it happened so he can bury her bones. Another story shows apartheid through the eyes of a white girl, too young to know what's going on; another is a story of a woman with Alzheimer's disease in Donegal in the 1980's re-living the 'sin' of her childhood rape and subsequent banishment to a far-away country…another story is about a chance meeting in a Toronto café between a survivor of the Bosnian war and a survivor of a broken marriage.

I don't 'mean' to write such stories, and I do have lighter ones!

In a larger sense, my aim as a writer is to explore the full breadth of the human condition. I write what I 'know' and I also write to discover what I don't know. I write about the price we pay for living, about the consequences of action and thought. I write to discover the good in the darkest situations and people. I write about experiences that push us to or over the edge of our envelope of safety, and I write to push myself beyond that envelope.

In the end, I write for myself, - and for anyone who, like me, wants to discover and explore why we do the things we do, what the consequences are, and if there is a way through, a way out. Can there be redemption in a situation of horror? I believe there can be.

Okay, that is over and out for me tonight. You've probably heard more than enough already!

Much love to all,
Sandra

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

realised I missed this easier question, OM:
if there's anything newer you would like to add.

Not until they are 'published' - my other note covers a bit of this and two stories not above.

Also, I'd love to know which of these are special to you..

La Lloronna, which was the first short story I ever published in print, and which came out of one of my own assignments here on Diving Deeper, called “reined in” - just using those words as a prompt. (The story is only available for sale, if you buy a copy of Versal - issue 6- you'll be contributing to a very wonderful group of artists and writers - it's only 12$ I think).

I had been unable to write anything for months, was going through a very difficult period with my writing – feeling like something 'had to shift' but I had no idea what. I was 40,000 words into a novel that was going nowhere other than endless amazing internet discoveries.

I was reading Ray Bradbury's “Zen in the Art of Writing“  and found out that he'd been writing, consistently, about 1000 words (more? 2000? I can't remember) every day since he was a boy. I got so mad I thought, well, F*** surely I can do a 20 minute assignment. So I did. And then I did more. And more. I posted up what I wrote each day.

And then, about a third of the way through, a dear friend and at the time moderator of Diving Deeper, Burt, made one of his very insightful, seemingly harmless comments. Something along the lines of “oh what a wonderful story, it could go cliched but I'm sure it wont” Something like that. So of course I had to ask him exactly what he meant, and with a bit of arm-twisting he described how the rest of the story *could* (and shouldn't) go. I realised with a jolt that it was exactly where I was headed. So I did an about turn, and the story took off, writing itself to an ending that made me weep. I could not have 'made' it happen if I tried. I read the story at the launch of the magazine… a pic of me doing so is below.

perhaps what downstreams you have experienced from any of the publications, like, contacts from interesting people, or other offers, or feedback of some sort.

Not too much - one or two nice connections with the editors of the magazines. My sole intention behind getting published in literary magazines (online or print) is so that when the time comes to approach a literary agent to represent me, I can show that people like my work.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

A logistical interjection:

In a long complex thread like this, if you just look at the bottom post in the “threaded” view you will miss all “replies to post.” While it might be a trifle confusing, you might want to switch (upper right of page) to “unthreaded” view, where all new posts are at the bottom, or to my favorite, “newest first” in which the newest post is at the top, and you catch up by reading downward.

Blessings, OM

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Om ;-) the way I get around this problem is by only replying to 'thread' unless I know someone is au fait with threads having multiple conversations going on at the same time… but since you've made this note, I will now reply to post as is appropriate…

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Great idea OM- I'm all for 'newest first' too.
Thank you for that reply, Sandra. I got even more than I thought I would–and my Gaia-brain is going: I need to have Sandra write about the many countries she's been to, at World Heritage Society–I know  you're very busy; but I just wanted to say what I felt! [just in case!]

Nono, how delightful to see you here! I'm really enjoying meeting new people on this thread. Looking at your post I wondered - do you Nono, or you Sandra, ever cross-post what you write on DD, to a blog?

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hello Meenakshi!

Do I cross-post? 99 % of times, no. Why?
I'm not in “letting-the-world-know” about my thing yet :) having fun on DD is enough for me. Just a regular mom and a hobby writer. Thee hee. Got to go deeper and sharpen the skill part before blogging a lot. I don't have actually that much of my actual writing in my blog and it updates seldom.
So I just wander like a blind in Louvre wondering what that neat sound of “someting” is.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

World Heritage Society…oh Meenakshi! you are just going to have to share your bilocation secrets one of these days!

Cross posting things. I don't, no. Well, maybe once or twice tops, so far. The wonderful Robert Genn Newsletters, for example (eg Building the Creative Muscle) I find I use my blog as 'light relief' for the most part, sharing funny items or music I like, that kind of thing. Once in a while I do a personal share. I don't post my creative work there mostly because many magazines will not accept pieces that they consider to be already published, and this includes blogs. A request-in workshop environment is given more leeway, however (not always).

I am planning a writing focused blog - outside of Gaia and probably as part of a new website. The one I have up (http://www.sandrajensen.net) was mostly for work I did a long time ago (email counselling).

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Sandra - thank you for sharing some of your Nomadic lifestyle with us.  Meenakshi, thank you for asking the question!  Moving every 6 months in 2 1/2 years would be a doozie.  I think your word “Hell” captures exactly how I would feel if I were in the same position.

Nono - how nice to cross your path in this beautiful feature.  I don't believe we have met before.  I am going to visit your Profile Page to learn more.

Om - thank you for the tip about “newest first” on top!

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hi Sandra and everyone.  I've known about Diving Deeper and almost got involved when I first got involved in Gaia, but time and other blockages kept me away.  I'm glad for this post to reconnect and see what everyone's saying.
 
I just took a detour to read Amber's story of Mr. Fish's many adventures – and it was absolutely wonderful to read it again!  Since I've been the Grandma to Mr. Fish lo these many years, I can attest to the fun he and his many tank mates and brothers and sisters have had.  I really want to encourage Amber to consider writing more in this venue of fiction.  She already entertains and provokes thought in her wonderful blogs.

I've decided to explore some of the other writings that have come out of this group.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Judi, Hi! I totally agree with you about Amber. I think she's a fabulous writer. Most people are, when they step out of their own way. And thanks for coming and reading our work. Maybe you will join us….

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Judi!!! Thank you for reminding me!!! I coulda said this when Amber posted about writing, but I didn't think of it then.

I remember saying to Amber, after reading a couple of posts? blogs? she did somewhere, many months ago, that I can't find again, that she has one of THE most POWER-packed “voices” I have ever read!!!! — when she is passionate about something in the world, that was the general area she was writing about. 

Far beyond eloquent, far beyond strong, far beyond “the voice of authority.” I was blown off my chair. It was like listening to the voice of Jupiter or Jove, telling us humans in no uncertain terms what we NEEDED to hear, to pay attention to, to get off our asses and DO. Sternly but also with compassion. But brooking no ducking out, no sneaking around. The sheer force of the energy behind the mere squiggles on a page, was mindblowing. 

I told her I wanted more of THAT, whoever it is, talking to the world!!

Blessings, OM

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hi all, pleased to be able to add my admiration for Sandra here, as a guide, a teacher & a friend. Sandra provides a welcoming & safe place and works hard at keeping DD alive & vibrant, Sandra now lives a few miles from where I was born & bred, Rain and all. Two final words to Sandra,: Thank you,
Mike

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Mikey… sending rainy hugs your way! And yes, it's been raining every day for weeks now. I don't think it's quite as bad as last year (when fish were spotted swimming up a road in Kilkenny), but well, it sure is Ireland. But then again it also looks like this…

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

hmm, I think I should stick to my 'reply to thread' plan, as my 'over and out' note is somewhere UP THERE for those who like to read threads threaded ( like me ). Ok, so this is another one… night night everyone!

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hugs Sandra.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

smooch, mr fastdart lars!

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hope you are having a lovely restorative night's sleep, Sandra.

Re your response to my question, all I can blurt out is : Effing WOW !!!!!!!! (Which is a redundancy, both words meaning the same to me, or the adjective being a more colorful version of “very.”) 

That is extraordinary!! Aren't you glad you know that more clearly, after your encounter with Rory?? Wow, wow, wow, how powerful, all of what you described. I dig it!!!!

Now, of course, you gotta tell us about the redemption you believe (and I believe) exists even in horror. Guess you are transcending Joseph Conrad, who didn't see a way out of the horror, if I recall rightly, at least not in Heart of Darkness.

Thanks for the suggestion about my getting involved with DD. I had not considered it because I write as naturally (and as often, haha, and with the same necessity to my staying alive) as breathing. All nonfiction (or poetry,) except for a couple of school assignments I did OK on, but fiction doesn't come naturally to me, and I don't feel called to stretch into it.

And I write to express, and I do write to shift people, and I do write to stretch my ability to put nonverbal experiences into words. And sometimes just to play with words.

So thanks for the invite to any of us who are not just getting started, or are not feeling blocked. That's really good to know about the group.

Gotta run for now, more later.

Love, OM  

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Om… well, truth be told I didn't just come up with all that after my experience with Rory. I had been applying for grants to help me complete my manuscript of short stories, and they always ask for a description of my work. What WAS different for me was putting it into words – spoken words (not my forte) – there and then, in front of people. And I think what I said verbally was clearer - in the sense of the 'who' am I writing for - which was never something I had considered before.

you gotta tell us about the redemption you believe (and I believe) exists even in horror.

I think the best way is for you to read one of my stories. Other than Judgment Day on Word RIot,most of ones that are published online don't really reflect the core of my work. I'm ok with sharing a couple of others here, with the assumption that these links do not get 'passed along', and that they are removed once this feature is over: They are PDF downloads: Soldier Boy and Thirty-Nine Minutes.

I do write to shift people

I'd say 'yes' to this… other than when I'm 'trying' to shift people, nothing happens. For me it is about finding a path through to this shift myself, and I can only do this if I am really 'inside' what I am writing, if I am not 'directing traffic', if I am not 'thinking' while I'm writing. As my own teacher said, thinking is not the same thing as writing…

And, absolutely yes to the DD approach being for everyone, as is Freefall. For me, I only keep writing if there is a continual 'challenge'. Perhaps it's why I write fiction, because it's so G***** hard. I can write blogs and blurts and things like this until the cows come home, but it's not a stretch. Fiction? or even memoir, which should be as engaging as fiction, as deep as fiction… a huge stretch. A leap into the void.  Sitting there, facing the blank page, and not knowing what is going to happen..looking for a particular 'zone' that is so very different from a free flow of words like these ones here. Every time I sit down to write. In a sense this also happens for me writing a blog post, or right here right now as I write (enough rites?), but it's very very different to what I'm talking about.

Kathy (Centria) might be able share about this difference a bit… she writes so beautifully and easily and so fluidly - and yet not too long ago on Diving Deeper something came up for her around 'sending work out' to be published. (I do encourage people on DD to try and get published). At some point Kathy was musing that perhaps there was no point in her writing if she wasn't bothered to send work out…if she had no desire to get published… that ended up in a very long, intense discussion which seemingly was about this publishing thing, but was really 'about' Kathy diving deeper, going beyond her 'normal' flow in writing. She then wrote an absolutely breathtaking piece.

I'll ask her to jump in here and share her point of view about this!

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

First of all, I am so delighted to see that you're being featured, Sandra!  So glad that this disucssion is taking place, so people can know more about you and this process of Diving Deeper.
What was so wonderful about this “very long, intense discussion” was that it helped me (and perhaps some others) break through a boundary.  The Diving Deeper approach seems to do that.  I was having trouble with the word “fear” related to writing, because I didn't really resonate with the word “fear” or feel like fear was preventing anything from happening, such as getting published.  Yet, upon diving deeper and deeper and deeper into our discussion, suddenly the word “fear” translated to “discomfort”.
And suddenly 1,000 light bulbs went off!  And suddenly I saw so many areas in my life where feelings of discomfort prevented many things from happening.  That was life-altering, believe me.
So simple shifting deeper into that word “fear” and into the depths of it provided so many realizations.  I can't begin to thank you enough, Sandra, for that push.  Even more than in the writing of fiction, that realization opened up so many areas in my life.  It even allowed me to move into a couple areas of uncomfortable issues with my husband/family that had been stuck for thirty years.
You also helped me tremendously in moving through challenges surrounding writing with sensuous details.  Due to your tutulege, it feels like I am now living my life with sensuous (vs sensual, ha ha) awareness.
It was such a joy to meet you in that cafe in Amsterdam last November, with your pink sweater, and Lucienne (Alluvja) and my daughter Kiah sitting around the small table sipping coffees or lattes.  Am also glad you had the opportunity to attend that workshop this summer with your teacher.
Many blessings to you, and always in gratitude,  Kathy

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

ahhh yes, now I remember the specifics .. fear/ discomfort.  - for those who don't know, one of the Freefall precepts is to 'go fearward' - this is often easy when one starts creative writing - there are all those personal memories that could surface, or the demons in one's head to work with, (saying “you write badly' etc.)

But when one has done a lot of writing - finding out what is 'fearward' is not always that simple. You nailed it, Kathy, when you realised for you discomfort was the 'fearward' arena. And so wonderful that you said 'yes' to going there - in more ways than one. I think you answered one of OMs early questions, about how the process is not just about writing..

And now I'm musing, what is the *next* arena for you? (why is it I like to give you these, er, bits of encouragement?!)

hugs and love coming your way (and do say Hi to Kiah for me will you? such a lovely daughter, in all ways, I hope she's doing well).

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Sandra said, “In the end, I write for myself, - and for anyone who, like me, wants to discover and explore why we do the things we do, what the consequences are, and if there is a way through, a way out.”

OM said, “I write to express, and I do write to shift people, and I do write to stretch my ability to put nonverbal experiences into words. And sometimes just to play with words.”

Yes, Yes and Yes again!

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hmmm…just lost my post. A longie.
Oh well, it was good practice! Could have sworn I copied it to clipboard before trying to browse for that pic. I do have some experience here.
Anyway, it does my heart good to see Sandra getting so much love from the gang. Thank you Sandra, for all the support and wisdom you shared with me and everyone back in the day at DD. Glad to see all the love flowing your way in this thread! I hope you love being featured.
Much love & thanks,
Tom
(http://tomhowe.org/blog/)

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Oh Tom… so much love coming your way. Tom is one of the 'pillars' of Diving Deeper (on, um, sabbatical). If anyone wants to find out just how extraordinary this man is, have a look at the Hai thread on Diving Deeper.. which all began nearly two years ago with one of his entirely unique and wonderful comments to a story of mine:

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hello everyone,

I’m a little late in arriving here – but I am so happy to see Sandra in the spotlight in this group. I  have been a LTM (long term mod) at DD for awhile now, and have been writing with Diving Deeper for almost two years. I was recently lucky enough to meet up with Sandra for an afternoon in Toronto, and discovered that we could talk together for days if there were only days available! She is one of the most wonderful and amazing people I have had the good fortune to meet, and even better fortune to count as a friend. 

It is not only Sandra's approach to writing, and teaching others that I find so compelling and beautiful but her willingness to go “fearward” and allow others to do the same. This is a tremendously powerful  thing when you are trying to find your way as a writer, and as a human being.

I can’t say it is coincidence that I stumbled across Diving Deeper for the first time – struggling with not being able to write a single word (2 years I spent not being able to write anything) and then through the experience of DD – and most of all with Sandra’s encouragement, I have compiled quite a collection of stories etc. ( well over 1,000 pages now) and I owe it all to her.

Congratulations Sandra – and may you always be able to share your vision and wisdom to the world.

Xo big hugs,
Leigh-Anne

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

before we move to a new thread, I just wanted to acknowledge what you wrote, dear Leigh-Anne…I'm a bit speechless…

I'm not sure Diving Deeper would exist without you, quite frankly. Does everyone here know that Leigh-Anne wrote 50,000 words in TEN days, thus completing the National Novel Writing Month goal with 31 days to spare ??? (and yes, she went on to write, what? 80,000 ? Lots anyway.) She's the most focused writer I know, that plus such talent, I'm floored on a daily basis (here is just one of so many wonderful pieces …). Actually she should be the one answering questions about writing, not me! Hugs dear.. it was SO good to meet you in person this year. I look forward to the next time! hugs…

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

[American idiom help needed alert - OM,  Laurie said 'doozie' - will you explain down at the Re: C - D – Chill, Chill out  at the Multilingual Pod, pretty please [later, not now–I've got the gist!!!]

You know, I'm chuckling at those moves, Sandra; because in the 53 yrs I've lived, the longest I've ever been in one home [and this is really long] is 10 yrs, in this home. Till I was married, we moved pretty much every 2-5 years; after I got married, it was  almost every year. At first, it was all over India; and then after my kids were born, it was three continents in four years!!  Point being; I really love moving; and actually took it in stride, [notice the change in tense–not sure i'd like to move now!]  because it was just such an exciting and actually slow way of seeing the world! So enriching as well. It would help with the Freefall technique, I'd guess, helping you to move your thoughts as you moved your home? Perhaps if you feel you need to write something particular, like a book, that's when it gets difficult.

I also wonder sometimes, does thinking you're a writer who HAS to write, help in writing or actually come in the way? I'm not sure I'm asking it right; but feel you'll know what I mean…. [and hope you're sleeping well right now!] It's dawn for you, actually.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

…. for me, to really climb into a new work, I need lots of quiet time and alone space – clear space. Not things that usually coincide with 'moving house' - especially when the house moves were not chosen ones ( in the sense that we had to move, our rental got sold etc etc). I can write blogs and comment and chat writing, that's fine, and quite supportive actually during chaotic times. But to get into the 'zone'….more difficult for me when there are a 1000 other things 'to do'. It's not so much the moving itself - I can write on trains planes etc, but more the pull of 'other things are more important to do'…

I also wonder sometimes, does thinking you're a writer who HAS to write, help in writing or actually come in the way?

Good question. I'd say both!! and, at some point, a shift has to happen, for most people. The shift from just 'enjoying' writing sometimes, to having to write. I'd describe it a bit like playing the field with lovers, and then deciding to get married…. there are pros and cons to both situations, yes?! But in the end, the commitment brings more satisfaction, to me. More results in terms of amount of work, quality of work. I believe in the '10 thousand hours' theory (basically a number of studies indicate that 'top' professionals in the arts get there by one thing above all others, including genuis level talent: practice)..

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Sorry Tom, about the Comment eating Gaia Monsters… and that I laughed because of the way you let us know they'd eaten a “longie”. {{{giggle}}} I lost a 'longie' to the Blog eating Gaia Monsters the other day and am feeling your pain!

Uh… OM. Wow! Thank you for the over the top endorsement of my writing ability… After re-reading Mr Fish I was pretty sure I was going to give up writing entirely but maybe I'm simply too hard on myself as a fiction writer as I have read countless books more entertaining then what I can dish up!

I suppose I can continue writing 'get off our bums and DO' blogs and posts as this is the area I'm most passionate about… as I sit here on my bum! LOL

Sandra, does Diving Deeper have a section for this type of writing? ~grin~

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

I suppose I can continue writing 'get off our bums and DO' blogs and posts as this is the area I'm most passionate about… as I sit here on my bum! LOL

Sandra, does Diving Deeper have a section for this type of writing? ~grin~

heh heh… well we LOVE good comment on DD, and as you know there's a whole thread On Commenting, which I actually think supports good commenting and sharing generally, not just as feedback to writing…!

I think I covered a bit about going deeper in all our work when I talked about Kathy's experience below (or is it above, I've lost track…)

Whatever, I'd LOVE to read more of your work.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Hi all-
Just a quick chime in here as dear Sandra gets more than enough of me in DD.   ;-]
I was drawn initially (during Zaadz) to Sandra's absolute clarity in communicating.  I followed the breadcrumbs back to Diving Deeper.  It's been a safe and nurturing environment, and provides me an outlet for my eccentricities. 

Sandra has a bit here about fear and the emotion that keeps us from success.  Part of the process in DD is to write through the fog that hides our inner truth.  I'm glad to see her get some much deserved recognition.
 
Tom- miss your energy bro-
 
 

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Reading (feels more like listening) and enjoying… hummm what a sweet conversation.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

mmm Terrill! and I wonder if everyone here knows how beautifully YOU write? As in Sky Catches Fire.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

and a reminder that now I AM replying to post. So hit 'newest first' and if you've asked a question, it should be there, somewhere…. ;-)

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

I've just read Ruth's (rudyan) absolutely beautiful blog ”How do you feel…?” which describes - shows - so beautifully why a writer 'must' write. Ruth has written some truly extraordinary pieces on DD - for example, a response to an assignment called “Whatever Occurs”, and ”The End of Now” - which is in 5 parts, I've linked to the last part as it gives all the links to the previous four…written in response to the five day, 20 minutes per day assignment.

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Sandra, if I forget to delete those links after this thread is “done,” do remind me. I have put it on my “list.” 
Love, OM

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Logistical interjections like this seem almost sacreligious given the profundity of the conversation, but it's muh job. This thread is nearing our “break-point” of loading time for some members, at which we shift to a new thread. Is anyone needing that switch now? Otherwise I'll look for a natural break sometime today or tonight, and then will shift the conversation to a new thread for loading ease.
Love and gratitude and awe, for all the sharings,
OM 

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Thank you Sandra for your reference to my post ”sky catches fire.” I am working on my third book at the moment and just starting to claim the title of “writer.” I am sure with your workshops and support of authors this is not an uncommon story.

I wonder if you have insights that would be helpful for those of us who dance away from our writing as if we had no ability to communicate by the written word?

(OM feel free to move this post to or repost to start a new thread)

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Feels like a good place to start a new thread, so I'll wait for that..

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

OK, since you guys are vamping, I have gone ahead and started the new thread. And linked back to here.

Carry on, some of us are on the edge of our seats, and overwhelmed with meaningfulness and inspiration!!

Love, OM

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

thanks OM! I wonder if in fact my endless blurts are the only thing taking up the space…

Re: Feature: Diving Deeper with Sandra Jensen

Oh no no no Sandra. A thread can handle a lot of text. It's mostly the photos, and we are approaching 70 posts in this thread, which is a fair amount even of text. However, we LOOOOOVE pictures, and highly encourage people to post them in these Featured Member threads. They provide a bit of right-brain relief, and convey what words can't. We wouldn't trade a single word anyone has written, nor a single photo. And I am not going to lock this thread, so anything specific to here, like Centria/Kathy's current dazzling post, is welcome to be posted here in this thread.

So sorry for all the logistical interruptions, but I think we can all flow around them like a stream around rocks, or perhaps more like a bend in the stream. 

Love, OM