Writing, Listening, and Liberation

This is an invitation-only writing retreat for participants in the Writing Liberation Path Program and friends. We welcome friends who find meaning in Buddhist traditions of thought and practice, are wanting to explore writing about their lives as a spiritual practice, and are willing to listen and share with an open and caring heart. This gathering is an opportunity to connect deeply, and to speak truthfully out of the shared silence and individual exploration of a retreat. It is a gathering that enables new friends to be woven into the group with ease.

Each day will begin with silent meditation. After breakfast, the morning session will begin with a dharma talk, following by two hours of writing or meditation or rest, as participants choose. This will also be a time to meet individually with a teacher. The afternoon will offer more time for writing, meditation, and rest, with an optional gathering in the dharma hall from 4:00 to 5:00 for some silence, a check-in, and questions and reflections.  In the evening, we will meet in the dharma for shared silence and sharing our writings.

Program Format: We prefer to give participants a sense of when there will be noble silence. Please choose one of these five options (please do not try to put this in your own language here as our software has these five options as a drop down menu). Please note, we are interested in supporting spiritual friendship and some sense of sangha.

Noble Silence:

This program includes dedicated periods of both wise speech and noble silence. In addition to some contemplative exercises involving mindful speaking and listening, there will be periods when participants are able to speak freely.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Prerequisites:

This program is for those who have participated in the Writing Liberation Path program as well as friends of current participants.

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away. If you cancel more than eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. If you cancel between three and eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the deposit. Registration fees are nonrefundable less than three weeks before the program starts.