10 • LifeStyle West • March 2001 R ecent research demonstrates that writing about a life-changing expe- rience   can   help   decrease   the   effects   of   stress   and   enhance   the immune system. The creator and instructor of Being Your Own Wit- ness, a memoir writing workshop for cancer survivors, Staci Leigh O’Brien, Ph.D., believes that all of us can benefit from living an examined life.   “Writing down your thoughts about an experience like surviving breast cancer helps one to look inside themselves and find answers from our own inner strength,” O’Brien said. “People tend to keep things that overwhelm or depress us below the sur- face, almost like a monster under the bed.  Journaling tends to relieve the pressure of anxiety — thus looking at, or even getting rid of that monster.” O’Brien’s writing classes provide a unique type of support by first encour- aging participants to draw from their own well of strength and self-aware- ness, then providing a supportive atmosphere to share that writing experi- ence when desired.  “There is magic in writing,” O’Brien said.  “I can’t count the number of times someone has said, ‘I didn’t even know I was feeling that way until I wrote it down.’” Like a musician needs to practice his scales, a writer must practice writ- ing, said O’Brien, adding that the hardest part is just getting started. When beginning the journaling process, O’Brien offers tips on getting started like setting a timer for ten minutes and free writing — a technique where you write your thoughts down as fast as you can without stopping — beginning with the phrase “Right now I’m feeling...”  “Because this process allows you to write quickly without analysis, you begin to capture on paper what you are feeling inside.  The pain doesn’t end, but with this narrative technique, you give your writing a beginning and an end, thus providing some sort of closure.”   No experience is necessary for journal writing, stresses O’Brien.  Once the writing blocks are removed and we understand that what we write does- n’t have to be profound or brilliant, we then begin to play with our words, she said. O’Brien has provided writing programs and retreats for cancer survivors for The Regional Cancer Centers at Waukesha Memorial and Oconomowoc Memorial  hospitals,  and  will  extend  the  journaling  experience  to  women who are dealing with midlife changes for the Women’s Health Services pro- gram at Oconomowoc Memorial. Memoir Writing for Breast Cancer Survivors which will be held at the Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop on Downer Avenue in Milwaukee from March 5 to April 9. For more information about these and other writing workshops offered by O’Brien, call (262)569-8802. The power of writing Story by Christine Wolfe Gartzke  · Photography by Corey Hengen SHORT  TAKE Dr. Staci Leigh O’Brien (left) works with Janet Navin on a writing project. www.bettyjohnsoninteriors.com MON., TUES., WEDS. AND FRI. 9:30A.M.-5:30P.M. • THURS. 9:30A.M.-7:00P.M. • SAT.10A.M.-5P.M. EXCEPTIONAL  FURNITURE  &  INTERIOR  DESIGN 200 W. SILVER SPRING DR. • WHITEFISH BAY (414) 332-9600 Betty Johnson Interiors If It’s French, Tt’s French Heritage The Schooner Collection by French Heritage LOOKING FOR THAT HARD TO FIND ITEM?? S91 W37851 ANTIQUE LANE • EAGLE, WI 53119 • 262.594.2334 Call for weekly auction schedules or visit our website: www.houseinthewoodsinc.com Porcelain & Fine China Fine Art Home Furnishings Collections Coins Jewelry Glassware Estates Toys Pottery Antiques & Collectibles Decorative Art Linens & Lace Military Items Tools HOUSE IN THE WOODS A U C T I O N G A L L E R    Y   , I N C . CALL TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY TOUR WITH A FEW QUICK AUCTION TIPS AND A FREE APPRAISAL