Access your sacred depths with a powerful, transformative writing practice to cultivate an expansive mind, open heart, authentic relationships, liberated creativity – and a freer soul.

Have you ever felt a sense of freedom from pouring your heart’s deepest truths into the pages of a journal? Or in a personal piece of writing?

If you answered “yes” – you’re not alone. Those of us who are committed to spiritual growth often turn to the written page, where we can explore our true feelings, “taboo” thoughts and boldest visions. We may dialogue with our higher Self, or even examine our darkest shadows.

Often our raw, vulnerable and “out there” truths aren’t ready (or even appropriate) for public sharing, yet they still need to be expressed, felt and released in some way.

Exploring your unsanitized emotions, uncensored thoughts and wildest ideas in a safe way can be a profoundly liberating experience. You can learn to open to more of yourself, love parts you once found unlovable, heal past hurts – and even access the highest states of consciousness connected to spiritual awakening.

It’s a pathway into deeper relationships, enhanced creativity, and more powerful manifestation in the world.

In short, writing can be a potent practice that enhances your life in ways that are both personal and transpersonal, intimate and sublime. Your intimate writing can serve as your trusted confidante, Zen master and psychotherapist – all rolled into one.

On the other hand, if you don’t know how to foster a truly transformative approach to writing, you can get stuck in emotional ruts, feed negative thinking and cycle through old stories in ways that leave you frustrated.

The difference between this and writing as a path of liberation, lies in treating it as an actual spiritual practice – one that is every bit as potent as meditation, prayer or yoga. In fact, writing can help free areas of yourself that most conventional spiritual practices never touch.

When you start to see your writing as a place where you do some of your deepest inquiry into who you are, why you are here, and what’s holding you back – that’s when the true power is realized.

When you look back at history’s greatest pioneers – spanning the spectrum, from social change agents like Gandhi, to artists like Michelangelo, to scientists like Thomas Edison – you see that their personal writing journeys are often foundational to their leadership skills and creative breakthroughs.

Your journals and personal writing are portals into your greatest depths – which are the wellspring of true love, creativity and innovation.

Writing for Transformation

It’s not enough to simply write anything that pops into your head, as you might end up rehearsing and believing the old, limiting stories you tell yourself. Unstructured writing can reinforce that which binds you, rather than help you discover that which frees you.

So the liberating practice is to use writing as a way to probe your depths – going beneath the surface truths to the most vulnerable truths, exploring the hurt behind the anger, digging away at the ego to expose the spirit that is orchestrating experiences.

This takes truly skillful inquiry, as well as the kind of discipline we usually associate with other enlightenment practices. As you venture into areas that generate resistance, it can be easier to dismiss them and stick to familiar terrain.

The rewards of a deep and powerful writing practice are immense – providing you with a daily way to access, examine and release your innermost Self, your most profound truths and your most innovative insights.

You can use these practices to bring greater clarity to your lifepath, fuel your creativity and deepen your personal relationships. You can embrace your shadows and mine them for their gifts – while expanding the depths of love and compassion.

More than anything, you will be able to access more and more of your unique genius, and receive deep wisdom on how you can manifest it in the world (as well as transform the “blocks” we all experience).

When you learn to utilize the transformative power of writing, you do two things simultaneously:

• You gain a powerful tool for your spiritual path – one that is always available and essentially free.
• You access your depths in ways that greatly enhance all of your public writing and speaking – making you more compelling as a teacher, leader, activist or entrepreneur (or any profession that requires communication).

Why do you see real shifts in the public arena? Because people respond more powerfully to someone who is clear, integrated, and whole.

When you know yourself fully, you tend to be more heartfelt, insightful, truthful, funny, and creative. You’re not imprisoned by social roles, but are able to relate from your depths. And others find that compelling– as they also yearn for more freedom and authenticity in how they engage.

Think of how great actors are able to convey so much meaning with a single glance. They can do so because they are in contact with their rich inner lives, and have learned to be transparent with emotions – which makes them far more compelling.

The same is true of many entrepreneurs. Or therapists. Or teachers. When we sense someone is integrated and at peace with themselves, we trust them more, and are drawn to work with them.

So writing as a spiritual practice will take you into the brightest (and darkest) parts of yourself to experience a kind of liberated wholeness, which is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. And it also enhances how you can show up in the world – more comfortable with who you are, more able to access your depths.

The Importance of a Master Guide

As with any genuine spiritual inquiry, it is vital to have a master guide – one who knows the territory and the actual sequence of practice – far better than you do. A master guide can keep you on track, and help you avoid the many pitfalls that emerge on any journey.

Fortunately, you have such a guide available to you for the 7-module course, Writing as a Spiritual Practice. Over the last three decades, Mark Matousek has become one of the world’s foremost chroniclers of the spiritual path – as an author (of the bestselling Sex Death Enlightenment), journalist (for publications, such as The New Yorker and O), collaborator (on seminal books like the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying) and editor.

Mark is a master of language and, more importantly, a genius at marrying the depth of spiritual practice with the practice of writing. He is a dynamic, funny, self-revealing, and profound teacher who will be sharing the practices and disciplines that make for a liberating, life-long practice of writing.

He’s also been teaching students worldwide about the discipline of writing as a spiritual practice – in a way that is profoundly liberating and very enjoyable.

In Writing as a Spiritual Practice, he will take you on a structured journey through seven key areas in which writing can help free you from old limitations related to your identity, your relationships, and your genius. In this special course, you will enter a very safe and supportive container for your honest inquiry, within a global community.

You’re in good hands to take a deep dive into your liberation through writing, and learn skills you can utilize for a lifetime.

What People are Saying About Mark Matousek. . .

Mark’s workshop was remarkable on several levels starting with his gentle introduction to self discovery through writing. . . We found our bliss individually through sequentially planned steps designed by Mark to lead us in sharing our stories in words both written and spoken. This was a powerful exercise exceeding my expectations and it worked for us collectively and individually only because Mark was a patient, humorous and spiritually connected teacher. . .
–Nick Hahn, Founder, Hahn International

The writing course I took this past summer with Mark Matousek was an amazing journey into the soul . . . We found we were able to trust each other, thanks in large part to Mark’s empathy and direction, and did some incredible writing. At times there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, but that was testimony to the “writing down the bone” as well as the love and support that existed from the very beginning. I can’t over-emphasize what an incredible experience it was... a week of writing and bonding I’ll never forget.
–Alida Albert, interior designer

Mark, thank you for the immense gift of your online course! It was truly a unique journey which seemed to run parallel to the lived events of that moment in my life. The safe and inspired place you fostered for me (and our group) enabled me to delve into the deepest corners of my personal story and emerge with something new to share with the world.
–Judy Gentile

Anyone taking an online class with Mark Matousek is in for a rare treat, and most likely a life-changing experience. Mark always plans thought-provoking writing exercises that tap into the deepest part of yourself. Through his keen insight, perspective and kind responses to the students’ writing, he offers feedback that helps students focus on and realize their inner truth. This is the fifth class I’ve taken with Mark, and I hope to take many more.
–Stacey Cohen

Simply put –- if you’re looking to make a change, reach beyond your comfort zone and see the world and your life through fresh eyes – take a seminar with Mark Matousek who is a truly great teacher as well as a great writer.
–Mary Jo Shen

I’ve learned so much from Mark in the months that we have been working together! He has taught me to trust my writing voice, not to compromise it, and to bring all of who I am to the page; to write as if I’m talking to a friend ensuring that I grab my reader’s attention. I look forward to many more informative sessions and when I make it to the top I’ll have him to thank. Love this guy!
–Trudi Russell, legal secretary

Here’s What You’ll Receive

Seven Recorded 90-Minute Class Sessions with Mark Matousek

Experience a rare opportunity to be mentored and learn from renowned author and writing teacher Mark Matousek – from the comfort of your own home. Each class session helps you create the specific skills and abilities to awaken your spiritual potential.

Seven PDF Transcripts of Each Class Session

In addition to the high quality MP3 audios, you’ll also receive the entire class transcription in PDF format after each session is completed. This way you can review, print and highlight the most important insights and practices that you’ll learn.

Writing Exercises for Each Lesson

After each lesson, you will then have the option to do related writing exercises in order to accelerate your learning, and integrate each session.

The Writing as a Spiritual Practice Bonus Collection

• Writing, Spirit and Telling the Truth:
  Dialogue with Eve Ensler
• The True Secret of Writing:
  Audio Dialogue with Natalie Goldberg
• The Mystery of Love:
  9-Session E-Course
• Sex Death Enlightenment:
  A True Story, Audiobook Read by Mark Matousek

An Unprecedented Opportunity to Experience Writing as a Spiritual Practice

We feel honored that Mark Matousek has chosen to partner with The Shift Network on this exclusive online training. As you may know, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from a bestselling author, teacher and expert in the art of personal awakening through writing.

Through this powerful online format, you’ll not only save time and money on workshop costs (plus travel, accommodations and meals – which would cost thousands of dollars). You’ll also be able to benefit from Mark and his guest’s incredible teachings and exercises, from the comfort of your home – at your own pace!

If you’re serious about learning how to use writing as a spiritual practice and as a means for personal transformation, then you owe it to yourself, your loved ones – and our world – to take this one-of-a-kind training.

If you’re ready to take the next step in evolving yourself, click the register button below to reserve your space now.

More Praise for Mark Matousek...

Writing under Mark’s expert, gentle, while always insightful, guidance provided a roadmap to deep and positive transformation, allowing me to make meaningful and affirmative changes to my life. The combination of deep self-inquiry, regular assignments and accountability were instrumental in keeping me on track while revisiting my past, busting the old myths and out-dated stories and giving me the faith and confidence necessary to name and face my demons. . .Today I stand stronger, with more clarity and perspective, and on the path of change to a more meaningful future. It has been the most fascinating and rewarding journey.”
–Florence Lombard, Amherst, Massachusetts

Mark started our first class with the words; "You’re all here for a reason, even though you may not know what that reason is." Over the course of just a handful of short sessions, I’ve come to realize that not only was I there for a reason, but that this reason was more important to my well being and self understanding than I could have possibly fathomed when I first signed on for this class. Mark’s illuminating assignments, poignant feedback, and seasoned direction within the group setting unlocked many mysteries that had been buried within my psyche. The introspection that resulted was sometimes scary, sometimes difficult, and many times astounding – just what I needed and more. I am deeply grateful for the experience.
–Brian Carr, President, Solid Threads

I am a writing professor at Manhattanville College who had the privilege of taking Mark Matousek’s writing class this past summer. Mark’s style of teaching creates a safe environment that has a unique way of opening his students up to their inner emotions, thus revealing the hidden writer yearning to be released. I do not have enough words to express the enjoyment, the empowerment and the education that I gained by learning from Mark Matousek. I not only learned about my writing from Mark, but I also learned about myself. I am eternally grateful.
–Mary Mingle, Associate Professor, Manhattanville College

Mark is an incredibly gifted and intuitive teacher, guide and mentor. His knowledge of memoir writing, as well as his personal insights gave me the tools I needed to start writing my memoir and explore different sides to my story that have been transformational. I highly recommend Mark to anyone looking to build their writing skills, develop themselves and gain greater self-awareness through writing.
–Laura Stadler

Mark Matousek’s writing instruction is transformative. His classes will change the ways in which you examine your life, and how you think about yourself as a writer. He approaches your work with a deep sense of empathy, allowing him to help you tell your story in your voice. Mark’s insight, imagination, and precise instruction will push your writing in incredible directions, both creatively and technically. Mark not only recognized that I had the makings of a book when I brought him my idea for Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties, but his mentorship at every step of the process empowered me to bring the project to fruition. No matter what stage of the process you are at, time spent with Mark will yield extraordinary results.
–Libuse Binder, author of Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties

About Mark Matousek

Mark is a bestselling author, teacher, and speaker whose work focuses on personal awakening and creative excellence through self-inquiry and life writing. He is an award-winning author of five books and worked with Sogyal Rimpoche on The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and collaborated with Andrew Harvey on Dialogues with a Modern Mystic. His first book published in 1996, Sex Death Enlightenment: A True Story became an international bestseller published in 10 countries and was nominated for two Books for a Better Life Awards.

A featured blogger for Psychology Today, Purple Clover, Huffington Post, he has contributed to numerous anthologies and publications including The New Yorker, O: The Oprah Magazine (contributing editor), The New York Times Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Yoga Journal, Details, The Saturday Evening Post, AARP, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, and many others.

Mark is on the faculty of the The Omega Institute and The New York Open Center, teaches transformational writing workshops around the U.S. and in Europe, and is the Creative Director of V-Men (with Eve Ensler), an organization devoted to ending violence against women and girls.

He brings three decades of experience as a memoirist, editor, interviewer, survivor, activist, and spiritual seeker to his penetrating and thought provoking work with students. His workshops, classes, and mentoring have inspired thousands of people around the world to reach their artistic and personal goals and transform their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I reach Customer Support?
A: Please visit our Customer Support Center at support.theshiftnetwork.com, where you should be able to find the answer to your question or the solution to a problem. And if you can’t, you can submit an online request form and we’ll get right back to you.

Q: What is your refund policy?
A: Your satisfaction with The Shift Network and this course is our highest priority! We offer a satisfaction guarantee for a full 2 weeks so that you can try out the course risk-free. The deadline to receive a full refund is 2 weeks from your date and time of purchase. If you find that the course is not meeting your needs, please submit a support request with the subject "Refund request."

Q: What are the benefits of telling my friends to join the program?
A: You can sign up as an Affiliate of The Shift Network and receive 20% for anyone that you introduce who registers for the virtual event. If you bring five friends into the event, you can cover your own! Register at theshiftnetwork.com/affiliates and you’ll receive a promotional link to use.