This year, I decided to run a mindful creative writing class for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF). I teamed up with See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination.

As a facilitator, I felt responsible for planning and delivering a workshop that people would find valuable. The festival’s theme was ‘In/Visible’, so my intention was to give participants confidence in their writing abilities as a great way to express their invisible thoughts and feelings and make them visible to others.

Participants experienced a relaxing breathing exercise. They enjoyed poetry readings and vivid discussions around these. Of course, they could try their hand at writing their own creative pieces and perform them in the group session if they wished. We got to listen to brilliant work.

My bag was full of props representing the senses. There was a fragrant room spray and stress relief toys. I even played a kazoo to make an interesting sound. These aids helped make perception – an invisible process – more physical to people, giving them a better understanding of being mindful and being present in the moment.

The wonderful colours of autumn were visible right outside our venue’s window, fitting perfectly with my poem about the beauty of nature. I also brought an orange with me, for a good reason! We read a lovely poem featuring an orange.

The poetry inspired everyone to discuss how ordinary, simple things like eating and sharing an orange or a walk in the park can boost our happiness, wellbeing and positive mental health. The people who attended felt connected and inspired to write more.

I enjoyed leading the workshop and would love to do more work in the community in the future.

Thanks to Hamilton Town House Library and See Me Scotland for supporting this event.

Dr Antje Bothin is a Talking Heads volunteer living in Lanarkshire. She has authored an inspiring book on a treasure hunt around Iceland featuring a character with selective mutism. When not writing, she can be found volunteering in nature or drinking tea. Read more of her work on her blog.