Dear Writing Companions,

As we draw near to our Fall Equinox gathering at Ghost Ranch, September 16-21, I wanted to reach out and let you know how much your presence would mean to us.  If you have been to one of our Writing Your Story of Loss and Transformation retreats before, you already know how deep and rich it is to nestle in together at Casa del Sol in the heart of the red-rock desert and tell our truth in a safe and supportive space.

This year we are opening up the deepening retreat to anyone who is seriously working on a piece of transformational writing.  If you have a story to tell about an experience that transfigured the landscape of your soul, or are ready to dive into writing as a transformative practice, you are welcome here.

The deepening retreat is an opportunity to set aside the distractions that may have crept into your life and get back to work on a longer piece you have been dreaming about, or re-read and shape a manuscript you have written, or even set down roots on something new, and receive encouragement and feedback from your people.

We will have our own chef creating delicious and nourishing meals and snacks.  We will begin each day with a half hour of meditation, followed by a couple of powerful writing prompts, small group work, full circle sharing, and Q&R with me about craft, so come with questions.

Come also with some copies of passages you would like to share with your companions in pairs and small groups.  I have some special exercises designed for this kind of peer exchange.  Afternoons are free to share your writing in small groups or work solo, to take hikes or rest your weary bones.  Sometimes it’s enough to simply be in the company of other writers; you don’t have to be productive every minute.  What you may need most is to refill your cup.

Evenings are for fun.  We will make music and art, watch movies and sit around the fire.  And of course on the last night, Friday, we will have our inter-spiritual Shabbat celebration, followed by a writer’s salon in which each participant will share a piece they polished for the occasion.  This is always the highlight of our week.  Make sure to dress up!

Please feel free to reach out to Jaime, our retreat manager, or me and we’ll be happy to offer a listening heart to help you discern.  There is generally a waiting list for this gathering, as you know, but this year some space unexpectedly opened up and we wanted to make sure that you knew about it.

Jaime Grechika at jaime.grechika@gmail.com
 

With love always,

Mirabai