You know the feeling of NOT writing (and wishing you had). Or writing alone and wondering if your words matter. Or struggling to get focused with your writing as your mind does back flips and detours – anything but the clear stream of words you were hoping for.
What if there was an easier way?
There is, and it’s called the Inspired Women’s Mini-Writing Retreats. This is a place to gather monthly and actually WRITE, regardless if you’ve never written or are highly seasoned. This isn’t a writer’s beauty contest where we are expected to dazzle with the perfect sentence. It’s about getting out of our isolation and reconnecting with our often overlooked creative self in a no-pressure environment.
“I am writing up a storm and loving every minute of it. Carolyn’s gentle guidance and soul-searching questions keep me exploring my depths and reaching new highs with my writing skills” – Cynthia Treglia
With gentle facilitation from an experienced writing/creativity coach and retreat leader, a space opens. Here, you connect you with yourself, with your inspired words, and with other conscious, creative women.
“I appreciate your warm facilitation, sensitivity, organization and encouragement. Thank you for creating a safe place that encourages our personal growth.” – Peg Runnels
It’s a bit inexplicable, but there’s a magic that happens when we gather to write that’s different than writing alone. Ideas appear from out of the blue, you finally write what you’ve been avoiding, or perhaps you recall a pivotal experience for your memoir. At the very least, it’s dedicated time to move forward, followed by a feeling of accomplishment and renewed motivation.
Here are a few benefits women shared that they received during the mini-writing retreat:
Connecting with like-minded creatives to break the solitude of writing (and giggle a bit!)- Forward momentum (one woman found a poem ending that had eluded her, another brainstormed a new book idea, yet another wrote a blog entry)
- The energizing, purposeful feeling of putting one’s creative life front and center
- The exhale of reading aloud and being heard in a way that feels safe
- Realizing that others are going through the same things you are
- Instead of DIY, having a writing structure to easily step into for inspiration and guidance
What happens during our time together?
We begin with relaxation and journaling techniques to get you settled, connected and focused on the project at hand so that deeper, more creative work can emerge. Next, you share a writing intention for the quiet, “retreat” portion of the gathering. During the retreat, you find a comfy spot to write for an hour (aided by a handout on how to create a mini-retreat oasis in your own home.)
Afterwards, in small groups of 2-3, we share celebrations, noticings, and have the option to read our writing aloud. There are guidelines to create a safe, nurturing place for your experience and words to be witnessed. Then we gather again as a community for final reflections and perhaps a few virtual high fives!
We’d love to have you join us…
Spots are limited for individual attention at the retreat. Monthly 2020 dates are below – sign up for one, or join us each month!
- Friday, September 25 from 10 to noon CST (FULL)
- Friday, October 23 from 10 a.m. to noon CST
- Friday, November 20 from 10 a.m. to noon CST
Bonuses: After you’ve participated in a mini-retreat, you’ll receive an invitation to join the women-only Creative Soul Community, a tribe that meets in a private Facebook group to share resources, celebrations and reflections on writing and creativity. In addition, after you register, you’ll receive a handout with ideas on how to create a mini-writing retreat oasis in your own home!
$37 per session
Register Here
About Carolyn
Carolyn founded and hosts the Creative Soul Community, where women in the second half of life gather to create lives of greater purpose, vitality and creative expression. She is an award-winning author, professional coach and creative mentor. Her style is intuitive, lighthearted and nurturing as she leads popular writing retreats, weekly writing circles, telecourses and private coaching. She is the author of “Backyard Pearls: Cultivating Wisdom and Joy in Everyday Life,” has co-authored several travel books, and has written for national and international magazines. Her work is infused with a lifetime of studying various creative and spiritual practices. Among the places she has presented are Story Circle Women’s Writing Conference, International Coach Federation, Esalen Institute, Seton Cove, Eremos, Unity Church and the National Speaker’s Association.