“…writing was both liberating and grounding, natural and internal, joyous and contemplative.”

Daniel

“I put pen to paper and immediately began writing. I was at once surprised and impressed at what was coming out through this simple technique.”

ALEX

“The most surprising part and memorable part was I felt connected. That writing in that way filled me with a sense of place and gave me a sense of myself..”

EDWARD

Bushwriting is not so much writing of the bush as writing in the bush; of looking at our reflections in the mirror of the bush’s great mystery. It is about getting our expression moving and letting it flow without attachment or judgement for the shape it takes.

We can move our expression by tapping into the energy of the bush through our senses. We might feel there is nothing of value moving in our minds – so words don’t flow – but when we tap into the senses of the bush all we find is movement. Even the stillest clearing has movement; the light caught in a spider’s web, ants scaling a tree, the rising and falling of your chest and the beating of your heart when all else is quiet.

Bushwriting workshops will help you calm your mind, open your senses and write freely. They are hosted in tranquil natural settings which stimulate creativity and wonder. I will share a way of writing to enable you to overcome blocks and find expression for your experiences, thoughts and emotions.

I have held bushwriting workshops in Melbourne and at festivals including Rainbow Serpent, Newkind (Tasmania), Tanglewood and Hillscene Live.

Workshop details

Duration: 2 hours

Location: see each event (listed at the  bottom of the page)

Price: $20 + booking fee

Dates: see listed events below

Bring: writing pad and pen, weather appropriate clothing and something comfy to sit on (optional)

testimonials

Spending time with Leo and the other participants for a couple of hours of writing was both liberating and grounding, natural and internal, joyous and contemplative. Leo was a lovely and relaxed facilitator who guided us without pushing his agenda but rather showed us the space around and the gave us time and a method to find that space inside us to write. After some warming and opening up we spent time alone where I wrote a story of my infant son’s life from his eyes. It was a creative experience that I had not thought about expressing prior to the workshop and it was Leo’s method of showing us we had time to be creative and express ourselves without agenda beyond now. We all enjoyed it immensely and I personally want to thank Leo for the work he is doing.

Daniel
Warrandyte

A source of inspiration

I recently had the pleasure of joining Leo on one of his guided Bushwriting workshops. Going in I had no expectation, but some hope that Leo would be able to enlighten me with some techniques to help unblock me and open me up to putting pen to paper and writing more frequently in my own time.
It was raining, but it didn’t dampen our spirits or detract from the beauty of the bush. Leo is a very interesting and calming force that was able to present an environment that allowed me to feel relaxed and at home. After Leo set up the first exercise, I put pen to paper and immediately began writing. I was at once surprised and impressed at what was coming out through this simple technique, and it set the tone for a very fruitful and enjoyable couple of hours of writing and learning.
Whether you think you are interested in writing or not, I believe there is something everyone can learn from partaking in Leo’s workshop, not least because Leo is a just a cool guy.

Alex
Warrandyte

A Good Connection.

The workshop was under a beautiful white tree, an ancient tree, according to Jeff a local Djab Wurrung Elder, it was a sacred place. It was a good spot, and we were all lucky to be there.
I came into the space initially feeling apprehensive and a little intimidated by the big white tree. Leo was smiling, welcoming us all with ease and humour. I thought he had just the right kind of reverence and respect with dependable sense of himself. He told a few stories and his thoughts about writing, the way he spoke was soft but also energetic and palpably inspiring. Then he had us all walk around and write with a kind of collective intent. He told to feel our senses and our surroundings and to open ourselves. As I found a spot, a bull ant bit me on the bum. This was a surprise and definitely a sensory overload. But curiously it wasn’t the most surprising part of the workshop. The most surprising part and memorable part was I felt connected. That writing in that way filled with a sense of place and gave me a sense of myself. It also reminded to mind myself and also where I sit. Thanks, I reckon everyone ought to give this a go. Great experience.

Edward
Tanderrum, At the Sacred Grandmother Tree

Strong Testimonials form submission spinner.
Only include your full name if you're happy for it to appear on this website
A short headline for your testimonial
Please share your experience of the workshop