the clearing
Turn the page and step into the next chapter
In The Haven, you can explore creativity as a way to process life, discover your voice, and express the potential stirring within you, on YOUR terms.
Perhaps you’ve always enjoyed creating things and wish to share your creative interests with others. Maybe you once loved creating but have lost touch with your spark. Or you might feel creativity nudging you, yet you’re unsure of how to respond to this quiet, intuitive longing.
This is your invitation to step into the clearing, to release old stories and create space for new ones: doodle on a fresh canvas, observe through a pause, and explore the possibilities.
Each month, we create and publish a collaborative zine called Coming To Our Senses.
Members can contribute poems, sketches, reflections, photography, letters, and more. Every issue is a fresh start—like a magnetic drawing board—building, being seen, and then clearing. It doesn't matter if you're a new member or you've been around The Haven for years; each zine has its own identity, reflecting the presence of those of us here, together, now.
In The Haven, we often discuss "accidental creativity." This term captures the surprising, unforced ways creativity shows up when we stop trying to “be creative.”
You don’t have to know what you’re doing. I never do. Just begin. Here are a few simple prompts that can open doorways to fascinating explorations. Let yourself follow the thread that reveals itself.
Creative Engagement For Your Senses
If today had a colour, what would it be?
What makes you say that?
Finish this sentence: “Right now, I’m noticing…”
If that feels too broad, move into your senses. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding exercise.
What are five things you see?
What are four things you feel?
What are three things you hear?
What are two things you smell?
What is one thing you taste?
Look around the room and let something catch your attention. Move toward it or pick it up. Describe what you notice. What does it remind you of? What feelings or memories arise?
You don’t need to share what you make. There's certainly no rush. But if and when you are ready, we have a range of friendly spaces inside The Haven where you can.
The Community Gallery and Feed is a space for sharing visual, written, and audio creative artefacts, works-in-progress, and initial ideas.
(Always open in The Cafe)
The Journal Circle offers a reflective session using a simple weekly prompt (our Question For The Week).
(Fridays for 30 minutes on Zoom)
The Phrase Maze Kota is a collaborative gathering where we kick-off our brainstorming around ideas for the month's zine.
(First Sunday of the month on Zoom)
The Krafty Kota – an opportunity to give time and space to your practice or project, alone together alongside others doing the same. The conversation meanders through the 60-minute session, rising and falling naturally.
(1-2 Sundays per month on Zoom)
If you're seeking somewhere for your creative spirit to play and breathe without pressure, you're in the right place!
Interested but unsure if The Haven is the right fit for you (or if you're the right fit for The Haven)? These questions will help you work that out.