Collective creativity is extraordinarily powerful; I find that, for me, it is linked to my core values of joy, connection and community. The aim of my group events is to leave you feeling fired up by new insights and ideas—and with a genuine sense of connection to your fellow travellers on the journey.
Three Words for the (new) Year
For decades, instead of new year’s resolutions, I’ve had a practice of choosing three words to focus where I want to place my attention in the coming year; to let the flavours of words infuse my experience over the next twelve months. What I’ve found is that, through the intentional choice of the words, those flavours often deepen and intensify as the months go by.
You can join in this process by downloading the most recent version of this guide (click on the image to the right, which will allow you to download the PDF). Following this process will support you through a reflection to arrive at words that will anchor you in the year to come; and provide a compass for what you want to call into your life.
With ‘Three Words for the Year’, I’ve created a process that can be shared with others. In January 2023, it featured on a podcast, hosted by creativity coach and singer-songwriter, Daniel Mandel. Click on the ‘play’ button in the link to the left to listen along.
“I wanted to voice my thanks for that extraordinary creative event last night. It was so brilliantly and expertly moderated, and I was in awe of how gracefully you touched on all the themes that fit with the day, while fostering a thoughtful, energetic and dynamic discussion of all things writing. I was especially struck at the beginning when you voiced the importance of the aims of National Writing Day. I felt very fortunate to be in the room to hear you deliver that.
We are so very lucky to have any association with you. Your influence will affect a generation of young writers!”
— Mónica Ibarra Parle. Former CEO, First Story, UK
Inquiry of Reading
If you're interested in words and books, Inquiry of Reading is an event that you won't want to miss! It's a 45-minute exploration of the world of ideas and reading with participants from across the globe.
The format is unique and really simple.
Rachel will choose a laser-focused passage for inquiry (an extract that fits onto a single page we can read together). We'll use this as a springboard to tease out the issues in the text and what those issues mean for our lives and cultures. It's not a lecture (though I'll share my thoughts and some background information as a starting point). Nor is it a book club or reading group. You don't need to have finished (or even started!) reading before the event—but there'll be plenty of scope to share your thoughts.
A series of FREE online events that use literature as a springboard for inspiration and insight into life and the world.
Join us for Inquiry of Reading, where you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow book enthusiasts from around the world, share and suggest your favourite reads and discover new literary gems.
For more information about Inquiry of Reading, watch this conversation with my friend, Louise Mulvey.
Click here to go to Eventbrite for further details about all the events in this series (which explore a different text each time) and find out how to book your place.
Dare To Burn Bright
with Rachel Connor and Em Strang
a transformational retreat for agents of love
You’ve had enough of No. You want to silence your inner critic and burn through the constraints you place on yourself – all the old stories that prevent you from saying Yes to yourself, others and the world.
You want to feel valid, to take up the space you were born to occupy. You’re prepared to take risks, to upset the status quo in order to finally, JOYOUSLY, be who you really are.
We will guide you through a metaphorical firework of exploration, drawing on methodologies from decades of our own practice. We’ll offer modalities of movement and dance, writing, reflection, play, voice work and coaching.
This is a workshop for shopkeepers, artists, real estate agents, writers, dancers, doctors - in other words, it’s for anyone interested in ripening their chosen profession by more deeply engaging with their unique humanity.
Reflections from retreat participants: March 2023 (Macclesfield)
"I so appreciated the mix of activities offered during Dare To Burn Bright: solo / pair /group work, movement, writing; the journey that we were invited to take; the way it ended on such a positive note; how much you fitted into the time. I also valued both of you as facilitators - your skills, and also what you brought in your human essence, how much you were present. I know I will experience insights and internal shifts further down the line - beyond this workshop and for some time to come.”
-Anonymous, UK
Dare to Burn Bright was brilliant and I'm so excited to have taken part! I loved how together you created a safe container, at each stage and for the whole thing, for bold and meaningful exploration. I liked having the chance to work with everyone at different times and have felt really empowered since the workshop. Thank you!
- Elspeth Murray, UK
I loved this weekend of Dare to Burn Bright! It was a wonderful balance of learning how to explore my own personal shadows safely with learning to how to embody new habits……experiential and exhilarating. First class facilitation from both Em and Rach.
-Anonymous, UK
Dare to Burn Bright was possibly the bravest and most revelatory thing I've ever done. I loved everything about the two days - the alchemy of the facilitators and the warmth and openness they created. I felt welcomed, wanted, included and heard and I was met fully where I was at when I arrived.
I left with a renewed steadiness in my self-belief, in my awareness of my triggers and what that means about me as well as a sense that I don't need to seek the validation of others to confirm what I already know. Due to how containing the workshop was, I was able to experience a joy and delight in meeting others in a vulnerable state as part of the group rather than as a professional, responsible for having to help or comfort them. This came as such a relief, having been off work with burn out and even the space itself played a role in creating such a sacred and powerful weekend.
I just thought the whole thing was incredible and I left on such a high.
-Penny, UK
Please note: we will not be running this workshop in 2024. For information about future dates, please email Rachel on wordplaycoaching@yahoo.co.uk
Words of appreciation for Rachel’s group events
Online workshops
“Rachel, you are so gifted at creating special spaces of connection. Thank you.”
— Courtney Simpson, Coach, UK (participant in the online Virtual Writing programme for coaches)
“My experience on the ‘Three Words for the Year’ online workshop with Rachel was fascinating.
I didn't quite know what to expect, but wanted something that inspired and focused me; something to help me move through the end of year transition, and carry me into a New Year with optimism and clarity. I was not disappointed, as a group made up of people from several continents came together through Zoom.
We shared words, thoughts, feelings and stories of our journeying and inspiration from connecting with Rachel and her instructions for this ‘Three Words’ workshop. There were interesting differences and surprising similarities in our sharings. It was stirring and moving—simply facilitated, with a light touch, by Rachel. I felt safe in her hands and intend to work with her more throughout this year. Gratitude to Rachel and the other participants for their willingness to share, and their generosity of spirit.”
— Dilys Morgan Scott. 5 Rhythms dance teacher, artist and poet, UK
“I have taken part in a couple of Rachel’s online workshops. There is something about Rachel’s intuition and use of words that brings out creativity in others. She is thoughtful and attentive and gently encourages you to a new way of thinking. Inspiring!”
— Alison Ward. Company CEO, South Africa.
