Poetry and storytelling are used in all cultures to teach, advise, demonstrate, and console. Griots, shamans, and healers have all used the evocative power of words and imagery. The recorded historical use of literature as a guide for living dates back at least to the Analects of Confucius of 500 BC. Eastern cultures, Greeks and the Egyptians, to name a few, all "prescribed" poetry. 

ABOUT LIVINGWELL

I believe that inside each of us there is a livingwell; our personal fount of resiliency.  It is the place where all our strengths are stored. It is where you will find your trust, your instincts, your smiles, your tears, your truth, your hope, your dreams and truest wishes.

But sometimes we have trouble getting there.

As a writer, survivor, and person eager to live within the verve of life, I know that where there is a capacity to feel there is opportunity for hope and change. My first steps toward myself (and my livingwell!) began with poetry. During my youth, my summers were spent in a small Florida town with my maternal great grandmother and great aunts. The moss hanging from the trees, the smell of the orange groves and the interactions of the people in community fascinated me. Evenings were spent lounging on the porch swing, writing in my diary. That experience was one of the many things that lead me to my work in Transformative Language Arts. 

I believe that poetry — creativity in general — marks the pathway to the livingwell. Poetry can record experience or beauty. Poetry is available to everyone as creator or participant, giving us an opportunity to learn, rebel and grow. It can uncover desire, need and inspire. The focus of writing for well being is self expression and growth.  Poetry, including the poetry of our life stories, can help us to reflect, reclaim, refuel and restart. All of these things are possible on a personal and social level. All of these ingredients working in unison make poetry political, a transformative art and a great tool towards action. 

I look forward to working with you!

Vanita Leatherwood, M.A., T.L.A.
Director, Livingwell Workshops

 

Promoting individual and community growth,
development, celebration, and transformation 

Ms. Leatherwood has facilitated educational workshops for over 30 years and conducted TLA programs in a variety of venues for nine years. She has conducted programs for the Domestic Violence Center, Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Project Excel, PFLAG, the Linkages to Learning Program, the Mental Health Association of Montgomery County, Stepping Stones shelter, the Metropolitan Center for Assault Prevention, group homes and numerous universities and professional conferences through out the east coast. Ms. Leatherwood served on the DC Safe and Drug Free Schools Advisory Council and was honored by the District of Columbia Public School system for her educational initiatives. In 1986 she was honored by Mount Saint Mary’s College for her commitment to the education and motivation of students as founder of the Pathways: Attitudes and Aptitudes Program.