The Writer and Contemplative Practice. GilChrist Retreat Center. April 27-29, 2012 & September 28-30, 2012
For writers, one of the deepest calls is that of solitude. Our craft requires that we find periods of silence when the noise of the outer world recedes. In silence, we recognize that words are more than we had thought. They are not symbols merely, but vessels of great power.
During The Writer & Contemplative Practice Retreat, we will gather in a quiet, rural setting. During this time, writers will be invited to enter profound silence and to write from that place. A good portion of the workshop time will be devoted to solitude. Each day we will share community to practice simple techniques that open the door to contemplative mind--the state of quiet listening in which the inner voice feels welcome and so becomes present.
Because this is not a performance workshop, writers will not be asked to share their work aloud. The purpose of this workshop is to encourage writing from the deepest place in ourselves. We will practice honoring each other through equally deep listening. To register, go to the contacts page and click on mwtravers@natureandhealing.org
About GilChrist. GilChrist is a retreat center located in a rural area approximately 30 minutes south of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The cottages are heated and all but two are intended for single occupancy. With a wood floor, a large open space, a fireplace, and windows overlooking the meadow, each cottage provides beauty and simplicity to invite rest and contemplation. Cottages have complete kitchens. Note: Retreatants provide their own food. For GilChrist, go to www.fetzer.org and click on GilChrist
Nature and Mystical Experience at GilChrist. June 29-July 1, 2012. During this week-end retreat, we will explore ancient, but simple, practices that deepen our capacity to communicate with the birds, plants, wind, water, fire--all of our relations. These practices cross the artificial boundary that the mind imagines between 'ourselves and others.' We experience the truth of the Mayan expression, 'en lak esh:' you are the other me. There will be time for solitude and for deeply entering into one's own mystical relationship with nature. We will experience the truth that we ARE nature.
To register, go to the contacts page and click on mwtravers@natureandhealing.org
Writer's Retreats in Northern Michigan. For information about writer's retreats in Northern Michigan, click on 'Journeys'!
