‘A constellation of words and seeing’ – Cath Drake’s The Verandah
Discovery is what I want when I write a poem, when I read a poem. I want to be left changed … If the poem is good, I am a
Quiet your mind and invigorate your writing
Research has shown that the brain actually changes in response to regular mindfulness practice.
Mindfulness can reduce stress and sometimes reduce physical pain. It can boost happiness, creativity, memory and concentration.
I lead workshops on mindfulness in-person and online, adapted to contexts and audiences.
Clients include Breathe Arts Health Research who offer workshops and events for patients, visitors and NHS staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals.
- Wellbeing & health benefits
- Clarity & productivity
- Contentment & positivity
- To enhance creativity
Mindfulness & Creative Writing
I believe that creative writing, storytelling and poetry are some of the most enjoyable and rewarding activities you can do. Plus mindfulness and creative work well together to enhance wellbeing.
Engaging with the arts has a significant part to play in improving physical and mental health and wellbeing … Creativity can: stimulate imagination and reflection; encourage dialogue with the deeper self and enable expression; change perspectives; contribute to the construction of identity; provoke cathartic release; provide a place of safety and freedom from judgement; yield opportunities for guided conversations; increase control over life circumstances; inspire change and growth; engender a sense of belonging; prompt collective working; and promote healing … and longerlives better lived. All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing Inquiry Report, 2017
As the NHS says, mindfulness or “paying more attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you” can improve your mental wellbeing. Research has found you can feel more relaxed, have better relationships and be more creative and focused after practicing mindfulness.
Workshops
I offer one-off workshops, courses and one-to-one coaching adapted to your needs.
- Mindfulness for stress and relaxation
- Mindfulness for wellbeing
- Mindfulness and poetry / creative writing workshops
- Storytelling workshops
- Team meetings and away days
Online: Small group workshops on Zoom.
In-person: I live in North London.
Bespoke videos: Pre-recorded video workshops tailored to the needs of groups and organisations. Here’s a short video on mindfulness and poetry I made for Breathe Arts Health Research, based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals.
Courses: One-off and taster workshops can be very beneficial, but courses that include practicing and sharing from week to week are even more effective and rewarding. Research shows that an 8-week course is recommended.
Away days and team meetings: I develop sessions to fit with your team meetings for relaxation, enjoyment and team building.
“I’ve got so much out of these sessions; I’m really grateful. They’ve been amazing – so gentle & inspiring…”
NAomi Woddis
“I so loved your mindfulness and poetry sessions – they bring me to a place of contentment and quiet creativity.”
Virginia Gilmour
about cath drake
Cath is an Australian who lives in London. She’s an award-winning poet, journalist and communications specialist.
She curates inspiring poetry, creative writing workshops and mindfulness workshops and events.
Cath has practiced meditation and mindfulness for over 20 years.
Cath has run workshops for senior professionals to vulnerable young people and adults, from small specialists groups to large mixed-age workshops in a festival tent, from one-off workshops to residencies and projects with multiple outputs. (She has an enhanced DBS.)
With a post graduate qualification in environmental science and decades long passion for nature, Cath is keen to use mindfulness and writing to new ways to connect to the natural world.
Cath created a safe and inspirational space, she made sure that everyone had a chance to contribute if they wished to. The content was a great balance of mindfulness, discussion, journaling and well chosen poetry. Great value and a lovely experience. Really well organised and very enjoyable.
Pauline Seawards, new year ‘refresh’ mindfulness and journaling workshop.
Latest News
Refreshing poetry & creativity programme into 2022 with Cath Drake’s The Verandah
Mindfulness and Poetry Uplift to get your year off to a good start and recharge your energy and creativity. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and improve well-being, clarity, focus
International Laurel Prize
The Shaking City was longlisted in the international Laurel Prize. The prize is run by the Poetry School and funded by the UK poet Laureate Simon Armitage’s Laureate’s honorarium, which
Latest Courses & Workshops
Oct 27, 2022 - Nov 26, 2022
The Climate of Change Poetry Workshops Oct/Nov, 2022 Last Few Tickets
Online (Zoom)
