2 Drop-in Groups with poetry, somatic meditation, and expressive writing to support reflection & renewal
In partnership with MaTovu St Louis
Like the trees, which are beginning to reabsorb the nutrients their leaves captured over the growing season, bringing our focus inwards can ground and nurture us during the Fall season.
Turning inward is also an important element in the Jewish High Holy Days, which coincide with the start of Autumn.
As a creative writer, meditator, and Jew, I'm intrigued by how universal the themes are that are touched on during the High Holy Days. I wanted to enrich our introspection in ways that would be accessible for Jews of any observance level, and non-Jews as well.
MaTovu is sponsoring two Somatic Writing evenings this season where I'll facilitate a group exploration of some of these themes. Each evening will weave together poems, guided somatic meditation, and time for personal reflective writing or drawing.
Poetry to spark inspiration
A gentle, guided meditation to nurture your body-mind connection
Writing prompts, occasionally blended with guided visualization, to stimulate your expressions
A chance to share and be witnessed in what you have put onto the page
A short closing to "harvest" what you have gained from the meeting
Autumn's falling leaves and fruit teach us about letting go and also about harvesting. By connecting to the fullness of harvest season, we clarify what nourishes us, what we're ready to let go of, and what we want to work on repairing, in the spirit of tikkun olam.
We'll read two poems that explore the generosity and goodness of the earth and the complexity of human relationships. In our somatic meditation, we'll bring our attention to Midline (the body's energetic core), to the belly, heart, and throat, as well as the motions of "yes" and "no."
We'll reaffirm in our writing/drawing what we are saying "yes" to this season and what we are ready to let go of. Alternatively, you can write an imaginary letter to a friend or relative - living or deceased - to invite healing into important relationship in your life.
Historically, a successful harvest included feasts, making offerings, and preparing the surplus crops for the colder months ahead.
In our group, we'll read two poems that connect us to the abundance of the natural world and celebrate the fact that we belong on the earth. Our somatic meditation will be a Nurture Surround, a NeuroAffective Touch technique that encourages calm and containment.
We'll end by taking a "writing journey" together. This is a special guided visualization that is woven together with instruction and time for your body and mind to dialogue -- essentially, opening them up to connect more deeply through what you write, draw, or express.
MaTovu is graciously sponsoring both live events.
For September 29, please sign up here:
https://www.matovustl.org/events/2025/9/29/somaticwriting
For October 13, please sign up here:
https://www.matovustl.org/events/2025/10/13/somaticwriting
If you can not join us live but would like recording access, please email me at jenncampolo@protonmail.com.
A native of St. Louis, Jennifer E. (Russ) Campolo lived on the East Coast for 5 years and the West Coast for 12 before returning to St. Louis in 2022. A professional writer, she holds a B.A. in English from Yale and an M.F.A. in Creative Nonfiction from Pacific University of Oregon. She is currently studying NeuroAffective Touch, a somatic healing modality that utilizes touch to integrate body and mind, and she was part of the inaugural Kevah Teaching Fellowship, a pluralistic cohort for gifted Jewish educators.
Jenn has taught literature and creative & expressive writing to people of all ages and backgrounds and served as a volunteer facilitator at Annie's Hope: The Center for Grieving Kids. She works as a writer/editor for clients in the fields of psychology, wellness, and spirituality. Her passion is communal experiences that nurture deeper awareness, insight, and compassion on the journey of being human.
Connect with her at jenncampolo@protonmail.com, or you can find her on Facebook or Linkedin.
"The body, no less than the soul, believes in story and will move in the direction of wellness if we choose the right stories."