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"...And you, too, have come into the world do this: 

to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine."

-Mary Oliver, from When I Am Among the Trees

Good writing—the kind that feels good, the kind that flows—comes less when we call it and more when we invite. A powerful way to invite is to step back from our plans, our goals, even from the work itself, and just to give our attention back: to our practice, to our inspirations, to others' work, to the people and places and objects we encounter. I experience this kind of creative attention as a grounding, restorative, deeply sacred act—and an act of play. 

Play is anything we do with no intent to accomplish, to profit, or even to learn, but rather for pure openness, connection, and enjoyment. Play and attentive listening both teach us to let go of our attachment to outcomes, and to go easy. And though this is not the goal, it is the truth: when we make space for play and attention in our lives, composition tends to flow more freely. 

This weekend retreat will invite you into invitational practices that focus on depth and slowness, physical presence, and a little bit of whimsy and serenpidity. When we look at others' writing, we will do so through the lens of poetry, but you do not need to be a poet, or plan to write poetry during this retreat. (Though you may, of course!) Bring your curiosity and join us for a fun and restorative weekend. 

Details:
Place: Rockvale Writers' Colony, 6994 Giles Hill Road, College Grove, TN
Time and Date: 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 4 to 11:00 a.m. Sunday, October 6, 2024
Cost: $425 PLUS TAX - A $150.00 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. The balance is due by September 13, 2024.
Includes: 2 nights in a private bedroom/bathroom suite, access to RWC common areas, gardens, and hiking trails, 5 meals with wine at dinner, 4 workshops, and community with other writers.

 NOTE: After you register, we will contact you at the email you provided with instructions to pay the deposit.