Listening to Land, Listening to Self

What does the land tell us when we truly listen? How does a pesticide-sprayed lawn or a restored oak savanna affect our bodies and minds? In this two-day contemplative writing retreat, we’ll explore the role of writers in this time of climate crisis and discover how to grieve what is lost while finding strength and joy in what is possible.

We'll use creative writing, mindfulness practices and the land at Holy Wisdom Monastery to connect with the wisdom that arises when we listen deeply to ourselves or a place. We’ll use periods of mindful awareness, writing, sharing, reading and discussion to explore the power of our words to create a liveable future. 

You’ll leave with fresh writing, readings and tools to inspire your creative and contemplative practices, and connection to others who care about the more-than-human-world.

Schedule (subject to change)

Saturday

• 9:00-10:00 am – Welcome, introductions, and writing session
• 10:00-10:15 am – Break
• 10:15-11:15 am – Meditation, mindful writing instruction, optional sharing
• 11:15 am-12:00 pm – Mindful walking and writing outside
• 12:00-1:00 pm – Lunch
• 1:00-2:15 pm – Meditation, reading, and discussion
• 2:15-2:30 pm – Break
• 2:30-3:00 pm – Writing and optional sharing
• 3:00-3:45 pm – Dialogue with a more than human being (outside)
• 3:45-4:00 pm – Close

Sunday

• 9:00-9:30 am – Meditation
• 9:30-10:00 am – Writing
• 10:00-10:15 am – Break
• 10:15-11:15 am – Mirror walk with partner outside
• 11:15 am-12:00 pm – Writing and optional sharing
• 12:00-1:00 pm – Lunch
• 1:00-2:15 pm – Meditation, reading, and discussion
• 2:15-2:30: Break
• 2:30-3:30: Listening to land exercise (outside)
• 3:30-4:00: Closing ceremony