What do writers want more than anything in the world? Time to write. Yet even if such precious time could be found, it's not always easy to settle into the writing groove. Getting away from your normal routines creates the right mindset to relax deeply into your own voice.
Authentic Inspiration: A Retreat for Writers is specifically designed for creative flow. Through daily meditation, focused time for personal work, and communion with other writers, all set against a backdrop of exceptional natural beauty, we tap into a steady stream of words and ideas.
Open to anyone who writes: whether in a diary or for a newspaper, fiction or non-fiction, published or unpublished, all writers are invited. Bring your ideas, works-in-progress, or simply your wish to devote attention to your creativity.
No meditation experience required. Instruction will be offered.
- Writer and teacher Susan Piver creates a warm and focused environment in which to reflect and create.
- Meditation, writing exercises, and lots of time for personal writing create a sense of flow and deep connection to your authentic voice.
- Evenings are spent in group discussion. Each student will have a chance to read his or her work and receive feedback.
- You will take home knowledge and skills that support the writing life.
- The program is a wonderful blend of creativity, contemplation, community, luxurious self-care, and a chance to experience eco-tourism at its best.
- You'll leave the program inspired and relaxed, having written a lot.
Susan Piver is very wise, intuitive, and insightful and has had great impact, with a very light touch.
Gil, St. Johnsbury, VT, Corporate Consultant & Business Writer
I cannot recommend this writing and meditation retreat enough! Susan's carefully considered practice schedule offers precisely the right balance of meditation and space in which to write. Her teaching style allows for full creative expression to unfold because she neither interferes with the writing process, nor does she abandon the writer to his or her own devices. The result is a profound deepening of the work of writing and the practice of meditation. I left with a much more sophisticated understanding of how these two practices are not only complimentary, but how meditation is crucial to the life of the writer. This is a very rare opportunity for anyone, indeed.
Crystal, NYC, Novelist & Writing Teacher
I had not written anything in a long time. The Writers’ Retreat gave me the space, time, and inward focus to let creativity happen naturally. I hadn't realized how much I had to say. The meditation aspect of the retreat provided a peaceful structure where writing could be a pleasure once again instead of work.
Anne, Boston, Office Manager & Memoirist
This course helped me integrate meditation skills such as serenity, focus, compassion, and insight into the areas of poetry and fiction. I am extremely grateful!
Brian, Ithaca, College Student & Poet
I can't imagine any way to improve this program because it was more than I could have asked for.
Kathy, Cleveland, Librarian & Memoirist
The growth I experienced in five days was life changing.
Britta, NYC, Graphic Designer & Memoirist
Susan is a caring, compassionate person whose presence, insights, and instructions made for a valuable week exploring meditation practice and writing.
Heather R, Albany, Travel Writer
Emotionally moving, spiritually a gift, cathartic beyond my wildest imagination.
Miriam, Cambridge, Waitress & Essayist
Susan Piver is the New York Times bestselling author of The Hard Questions: 100 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Say “I Do” and the award-winning How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life, chosen as best spiritual book of 2007 by Books for a Better Life. It offers insight and information about conquering the fears that hold you back. Piver graduated from a Buddhist seminary in 2004 and is an authorized meditation instructor in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage. She leads meditation retreats for writers internationally.
Her next book, The Wisdom of a Broken Heart, will be published by Simon and Schuster in September, 2009.
Piver has written for Body and Soul, SELF, Oprah magazine, Reader’s Digest, and the Shambhala Sun and is regularly featured in the media, including appearances on Oprah, the Today show, CNN, and in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Money, and others.
Includes:
- 7 nights accommodations at MR
- All Meals
- Roundtrip Ground Transportation to and from Managua International Airport
- Guided Hikes
- Group Meditation Sessions with Susan
- Group Creative Writing Sessions with Susan
- Local School Tour
- Tree Planting & Reforestation Tour
- Local Artisan’s Tour
- Colonial City of Granada Tour
