Off the Page: Featuring Blair Cobb
"I usually start by writing the line ‘Universe, please guide my pen…"
For over two decades, I’ve worked with writers as an editor, publicist, and mindfulness-based book coach. I’ve learned that a writing life isn’t just about words on the page—it’s shaped by everything we do when we’re not writing. That’s why I created Off the Page: Conversations About Writing as a Practice, where writers share the routines that fuel their creativity—from yoga and meditation to walking, reading, and even Olympic weightlifting. There’s no single path to a writing life—only the one that works for you.
This week, I’m excited to feature my dear friend, and luminary breathwork teacher Blair Cobb.
On Friday, June 27, from 1–2:10 PM ET, Blair is leading a special workshop: Breathwork for Writers. This immersive experience is designed to help you release, reconnect, and rewrite your inner story. In harmony with the seasonal shift from Spring to Summer, we’ll explore themes of renewal and new beginnings through a powerful blend of conscious breathwork and reflective storytelling. Expect guided breathwork for emotional release and energetic reset, writing prompts to help reframe limiting beliefs, and a nurturing space for self-discovery and creative empowerment.
Whether you're seeking clarity, emotional freedom, or a deeper connection with yourself, this session will leave you feeling lighter, more aligned, and deeply grounded. No experience is necessary—just an open heart and a willingness to explore. The workshop is free for members of The Salon and $55 for drop-in participants.
👉 Join us on June 27 <here>.
ABOUT:
Blair is a Los Angeles-based breathwork and wellness teacher who blends meditation, movement, and mindfulness into all aspects of her work. A certified Revelation Breathwork practitioner and founder of BWC Consulting and Wholistic Nut, she’s passionate about guiding others toward inner clarity, emotional release, and personal transformation. Her work spans virtual and in-person spaces, with a commitment to helping others connect with themselves and their purpose. Learn more at www.blaircobb.com.
Lisa Weinert (LW): How is writing a healing practice?
Blair Cobb (BC) Similar to teaching meditation, which I never script, I find writing a meditative experience. I usually start by writing the line ‘Universe, please guide my pen…’ and then allow whatever needs to come through to come through. Nothing pre-scripted—just flow.
For me, the key to healing is the ability to get out of my head and into my body. That's where I am at my most deeply creative, and least judgemental of myself or my process.
LW: What is the difference between “traditional writing” and “writing with a healing intention?:
BC: For me, the difference is intentionality. Traditional writing often comes with a goal or expectation, a deadline, or a specific product.
Writing with a healing intention, for me, lacks that intentionality. There is nothing specific I am trying to get to, no format I think it ‘should’ be in. Often times I don’t even reread it.
Much like how I evolve day by day with no clear-cut destination, my hope is that my writing for healing reflects that evolution.
LW: What role does movement play in your writing life? Do you return to any somatic practices, mindfulness exercises, or other rituals before or after you write?
BC: I practice and teach Breathwork, which blends meditation and somatic movement. I often do Breathwork before writing, as it helps me get out of my head and follow the energy in my body wherever it wants to take me.
Me, along with many of my students, find they are at their most creative after Breathwork practice…gaining what I like to call ‘digital downloads.’ So I always encourage open time after practice to be with a piece of paper and pen, and just GO.
LW: What role does meditation play in your creative life?
BC: As I stated above, I am often at my most creative after Breathwork. However, I am also a fan of Julia Cameron’s philosophy behind morning pages, which suggests open, unstructured writing upon awakening before our egos kick into full drive.
While this can be difficult for me in practice, given that I have two young kids who like to wake up early (!), I do find early morning writing to be deeply cathartic and meditative when I can do it.
To learn more about the science of morning pages, here is a great article!
LW: Where do you find inspiration?
The beautiful scenery of LA, my kids, and my dog, Buckley. They all represent the freedom of true presence and finding joy in this moment.
LW: How has sharing your work changed your life?
BC: It has helped me realize that I am not alone. In this increasingly disaggregated world, people are craving connection—both with themselves and with others (in micro & macro ways). Sharing my work has enabled me to bring people closer together, which I am deeply grateful for.
LW: What writers have influenced you the most?
BC: Shel Silverstein, who wrote one of my favorite books of all time, ‘The Giving Tree.’ To this day, it is a guiding light for teaching compassion and selflessness ~ which I now get to read to my kiddos :)
LW: What book are you excited to read next?
BC: Women Who Run With Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
LW: Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
BC: Another writing method I discovered in therapy that I have found tremendously helpful is alternate handwriting. I use it as a means of writing to my younger self or the universe. I start by writing a question or statement with my dominant writing hand, then respond with my non-dominant hand. This helps me use both sides of my brain, and I am always amazed by the clarity and creativity that come when I do this.