Community
I run Creative Writing workshops for the Somerset Stories of Chard project (2021 – 2024), which is funded by Historic England as part of the Heritage Action Zone regeneration of the town.
For more information, visit https://culturallychard.wordpress.com
Creative practice
I write poetry as a form of reflective practice, for enjoyment and self-exploration. My poems address themes of personal and relational identity, as I grapple with my sense of ‘self in the world’ and its tendency to disintegrate at times. I use poetic forms and patterns which both contain my writing and free me to take emotional and creative risks. I like using established poetic forms, as well as playing with more novel techniques.
I’m currently working on my first poetry collection - an experimental, dialogic and personal exploration of self in the world.
Interview with Leslie Tate (13.12.21) ‘Rachel Godfrey: Reflections in Writing (1)’ on writing as a form of reflective practice, writing poetry, and writing published materials for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Interview with Leslie Tate (20.12.21) 'Rachel Godfrey: Reflections in Writing (2)’ on the relationship between our inner and outer landscapes, creativity, and dreams
Research
‘Crossing the Distance: Can mapping dreams using reflective writing techniques facilitate the integration of the self? A heuristic inquiry’
In 2020, I undertook this self-devised research project to explore what happened when I mapped my dreams in words and images. Much of my study took place against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, and its impact on my daily life, thought processes and emotional wellbeing.
“Its inspirational content lies at the emergent edge of the CWTP field and will inform current and future practice.”
The creative process helped me feel more integrated both within myself and in the wider interpersonal and physical landscape, and themes of Orientation, Perspective, Journeys, Beasts and Body emerged.
While the work was highly personal, I believe it could benefit anyone with an interest in exploring a different way of journalling and mining the deep reserves of intuitive creativity held in the body.