Joton: Generative Writing

Bengali Mental Health Movement is excited to announce the first session of Joton, our creative and embodied self-care workshop series!
About this Event

Storytelling, reflection, and expression can be useful tools for healing, grounding, and self-discovery. Generative writing, sometimes also called prewriting, is a part of the writing process that focuses on getting the words out (generating them) rather than creating a polished draft. In this writing workshop for Joton, we’ll talk about obstacles to self-care and explore creative writing as one potential way to take care of your mental health by getting the thoughts onto the page. 

In this Joton, we invite you to explore with us:

• How writing can serve as a tool for self reflection, emotional processing, and self discovery.
• Generative writing techniques that encourage curiosity, mindfulness, and authentic self expression.
• Simple writing practices you can continue using as part of your own mental health and self care routine.

Writers of all levels may participate. This workshop will be held in person. Some supplies will be available but if you are able, please bring something to write on and write with. 

To help create a workshop that best supports participants, we ask that everyone complete this brief before attending. Your responses will help the facilitator better understand participants' experiences, perspectives, and goals. All responses will be kept confidential.

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About Joton

"Joton (যতন )" is a Bengali word that can translate to means care, tending, nurturing in English.

Joton: Creative & Embodied Self-Care Workshop Series is a multi-modal, community-based self-care program designed to support mental and emotional well-being within the Bengali community in New York City, through creativity, movement, mindfulness, and cultural connection.

Recognizing that healing does not look the same for everyone, Joton offers multiple pathways to care through hands-on creative practices, embodied movement, mindful engagement, and shared cultural experiences. Workshops serve as low-barrier entry points to mental health support by creating welcoming, non-judgmental spaces where participants can explore self-care without the pressure or stigma often associated with clinical settings.
Workshops are offered as standalone sessions or as part of a series and are facilitated by trained artists, wellness practitioners, and community educators using trauma-informed, consent-based approaches. Workshops will be no-cost or donation-based for participants, in order to remove financial barriers to participation.

Who Can Attend Joton?
Joton workshops are open to Bengali adults of all genders, immigration statuses, and experiences. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and the willingness to care for yourself. Workshops are no-cost or donation-based to remove financial barriers and ensure equitable access for participants.