The poet’s journey is one of particular spirit, remembrance, and discipline. Flowing within and outside of the boundaries of language, the poetic form returns us to ourselves, our communities, and the earth again and again, reminding us of the expansiveness of our possibility. Like yoga, poetry asks, who am I? who are we? where am i right now? where are we right now? and guides us in remembrance.

The second iteration of the Writing from Within Workshop is an invitation for writers of all experience levels to walk the path of poetry and yoga with reverence and supportive community over four weeks. Each session, we’ll embark on deep study of a poetic form with corresponding yoga āsana and prānāyāma sequenced to assist us in writing and breathing with courage, curiosity, and intention. This workshop is open to all: no prior yoga or poetry experience is required, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.* 

To best support you during our time together, please bring to each session: 

• a notebook with pen/pencil to write by hand if you are able, 

• a yoga mat and strap (can use a long tie or scarf)

• Comfortable clothes to move in 

• an open, curious mind

(Please let Kayara know if any of these materials are inaccessible to you.)

Kayara Akiva (she/they) is a multidisciplinary cultural worker who uses poetry, prose, and film to explore queer Black collective and self (re)discovery. They’ve recently completed a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at Shraddhā Yoga, and bow with gratitude to the Indian culture from which yoga originates as well as the many lineages and teachings of the practice. Kayara is currently based in western Massachusetts, and everything she writes is a love letter to queer Black people, herself included. 

To register, please email programs@nohoarts.org directly or by clicking the button below, and include your name, address, and phone number.

Payment can be made by mailing a check made out to NCFA to PO Box 366, Northampton, MA 01061 or by Paypal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Pay Later or Credit Card by clicking the link below.

*Payments on the upper end of the sliding scale help support our continued commitment to accessibility, including sliding scale models and the NCFA Community Fund.