The 'Stories of My Life' instructor training consists of two creative writing weekends and one Silence Retreat.
Writing stemming from presence is a valuable way to open up life. The 'Stories of My Life' instructor training helps understand the power of rest, silence, and the opening of body and creativity for human well-being. The training provides a way to see life in a new way, to trust in its possibilities and the joy that stems from being
With the methods of this training, a 'Stories of My Life' instructor can guide groups and individuals to reflect on their lives and support their process.
When the writer feels accepted and safe, creativity opens up, and they dare to let words flow. Words lead to processing life in a group or with two instructors.
The method of the training stems from a holistic acceptance of the person, a way to guide them to themselves by supporting their own way of writing. Creative writing, like silence, are ways to understand the past, settle into the present moment, or move towards future dreams.
An important part of the 'Stories of My Life' instructor courses are presence exercises and the understanding of one's own path that opens through silence. Writing about life is a journey, which the graduating 'Stories of My Life' instructor can support.
The 'Stories of My Life' instructor training is suitable for those working in the well-being or therapy fields, social work, or parish work, or for individuals who want to understand their own life path. The training can open a way to see life in a new light, trust in its possibilities, and the joy of being.
At the end of the course, each trainee receives a comprehensive material package to support their work. The language of instruction is Finnish.
Instructor:
Mari Vainio has instructed 'Stories of My Life' courses for about twenty years in various educational institutions. She has developed the 'Stories of My Life' — guidance method based on long experience in journalism, her studies in solution-focused and expressive art therapy methods, and multi-year experience as a silence retreat and yoga instructor. She has led silence retreats for approximately fifteen years, mainly on the islands of Utö and Örö. Currently, she also teaches new silence instructors in her trainings and works as a solution-focused coach. All these experiences with people have strengthened her understanding of the significance of pausing, rest, and silence for life to unfold.
As one of the writers, for example, has said:
“this was not just writing but truly beneficial therapy to feel better, appreciate oneself, and understand one's own life path”.
More information about the instructor: www.marivainio.fi
The total price of the training is 1,500 €, including guidance and all weekend courses with accommodation and meals. Usual discounts are not granted from this price, and payment can be made in several installments.
By registering for the April course, you commit to the entire training.
Course Program, three weekends 2027
1. My Life's Stories - Writing Weekend 23.–25.4.
During the first weekend, the instructor trainee gets to dwell on their own life through creative writing, mindfulness exercises, and moments of stillness. This way, they gain contact with their own life but also personally with the method itself. Alongside the assignments, there are also instructions for guiding others. The weekend's teaching begins on the morning of April 23rd; accommodation for the previous night is included in the price, any meals on April 22nd are paid separately to Trapesa at normal prices.
Interim Assignment; reflection, mirroring by writing about issues opened during the course weekend. A one-hour solution-focused coaching meeting online with Mari Vainio.
2. Silence Retreat 11.–13.6.
Descending into silence opens the student's understanding of the nurturing care of rest and silence. Silence reveals what the mind craves, what the body whispers, but which often only becomes visible in silence.
The healing power of rest is supported by instructor Mari Vainio's words and thoughts on silence, outdoor activities, and various moments of stillness. Valamo's peaceful surroundings, art, and Divine Services deepen each person's journey into silence.
Interim Assignment: writing assignment about the retreat experiences and the thoughts they opened. Feedback from Mari Vainio.
3. Course concluding weekend 28.–29.8.
A serene weekend helps to understand even more deeply one's own way of working as a My Life's Stories - instructor or how to integrate what has been learned into an existing profession or task.
At the end of the studies, the student receives a comprehensive basic package of tasks supporting instruction and methods for presence. The program begins on the morning of August 28th; accommodation starting from August 27th is included in the course price.
The total price of the training is 1,500 €, including guidance and all weekend courses with accommodation and meals. Customary discounts are not granted from the price, and payment can be made in several installments.
By enrolling in the April course, you commit to the entire training. Accommodation options vary by course.
