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The Yoga of Writing:
A Women’s
Meditation & Writing Retreat
Sedona, Arizona
September 24 - 26
Also March 11 - 13, 2011
For many, writing is a spiritual practice which leads to a profound experience of timelessness and present moment awareness. A single moment of inspiration can become an eternity. That is also true of meditation.
For those who practice meditation, life can be transformed physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Meditation, taught from the yoga tradition, will allow you to let go of stress and open yourself up to who you are - outside of the roles and relationships you play. During the retreat, you'll glimpse of the real you and in the silence and spaciousness, you'll hear your authentic voice.
During the retreat, we’ll give attention to silence, stillness, and the present moment. You’ll listen to and trust your own voice as you transcend your inner critic and express yourself from the womb creativity.
You’ll write, listen to yourself, and be heard, perhaps for the very first time. No writing, yoga or meditation experience is necessary. We don't delve into physical yoga but there are mindful moving exercises.
Read what past participants say about the Yoga of Writing retreat here.
Retreat Details: Sedona
September 24 - 26
The retreat will be held at the Ponderosa Cabin at Briar Patch Inn i n Sedona, Arizona
Nestled in Oak Creek Canyon, just a mile north of Sedona, along the lush banks of Oak Creek. The Briar Patch Inn is a secret hideaway which nurtures your relationship with nature. It sits at the base of red rock mountains, surrounded by majestic canyon oaks and dappled sunlight, creating a healing, magical oasis with private and shared cabins.
Briar Patch Inn is located at 3190 N. Hwy 89A in Sedona. Visit their website: www.briarpatchinn.com.
The retreat in Sedona is limited to 12 women.
Sedona Tuition:
- $325 per person early registration (21 days in advance)
- $425 per person regular registration
- Alumni of Yoga of Writing, take 25% off of the registration fee.
- Add $250 per person for shared accommodations in the Writing Cabin, or make your own accommodation arrangements.
Some meals are included:
- a delicious vegetarian dinner on Friday evening
- the famous Briar Patch breakfast and a vegetarian lunch on Saturday
- and the Briar Patch breakfast on Sunday.
Optional Housing:
Tuition does not include housing. You can make your own housing arrangements with the Briar Patch Inn, or, if you'd like to stay in the writing cabin, the cost is $250 for shared lodging for two nights (limited space is available - sign up for this when you register for the retreat).
Retreat Hours:
- Friday 4 pm – 9 pm
- Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. Dinner on your own, free evening
- Sunday 9 am – 11:00 am
Call 928.204.0067 to find out more about the Sedona Retreat.
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Retreat Facilitators:
 Sarah McLean:
Along with my 20-year daily meditation practice, I've had some unique opportunities: I served as the founding education director of Deepak Chopra’s Center, and as director of Byron Katie’s international School for The Work, and assistant to Seat of the Soul author, Gary Zukav. Not only were each one of these pioneers great company, each was also a best-selling author.
My aim is to make meditation accessible to anyone who wants to learn as well as to integrate it with creative practices and everyday life. I’ve explored world spiritual traditions: I was a 2-year resident in a Zen Buddhist monastery, lived in an ashram in India, bicycled along the Silk Route through Pakistan, and trekked the Golden Triangle in Asia. I wrote about each experience and continue to express myself in the practice of writing as a meditation. Writing is a tool I depend on to really listen to myself.
I now teach meditation throughout Arizona and wherever I am invited. I am also an avid writer of personal stories and have worked professionally as an editor. My columns on mind/body health are featured regularly in the Frontdoors, Earth Odyssey, Green Magazine, and other publications. I am regularly featured on many Arizona Morning Shows as well as many radio programs. I look forward to being with you, tapping into creativity, and expanding our awareness together.
Victoria Nelson:
Whenever I find myself in museums or reading a great book, I become alive in ways I had never experienced in board rooms or business gatherings. After my mother died at the age of 59 in 1993, I followed my secret ambition to learn to paint and write fiction. Her death gave me the courage to quit a successful business career to become a full time artist. It was her final gift to me. And since 1994, I’ve given my heart and time to both endeavors equally.
I was born in the Dominican Republic, an Island in the Caribbean Ocean. My father was extremely political, and in 1972, his career led my family to migrate to the United States. Two years after we settled in New Jersey, my father died unexpectedly of heart attack at the age of 43, leaving my mother, me, and my three siblings to figure out how to navigate this foreign country on our own. I focused on achieving the American dream of material success, and in 1985 I graduated with a B.S. in Economics from Arizona State University in Tempe. I successfully climbed the corporate ladder in the computer industry for ten years. When I quit my high powered job to pursue painting and writing, my family and friends thought I had lost my mind. In a way I had. My soul demanded that I pursue my dream of becoming an artist.
It’s been 14 years since I took that leap into the unknown. I plan every day around meditating, spending time in nature, writing and painting, and my life as an artist has exceeded all my expectations. In the fall, winter, and spring, the light and the contrasting colors of Sedona are a daily source of inspiration to me. In the summers, the sea and the dramatic light of Monhegan Island in Maine, are my muses. I am a self-taught painter and writer. In 2007, my poem “Ancient Elements” was published in the Northern Arizona Poetry Anthology Collared Piccary and my paintings were exhibited at the University of New England Museum’s “On Island” show featuring women artists of Monhegan Island. My paintings are shown at the Lupine Gallery in Monhegan Island and by appointment in Sedona. A book of short stories will be published in 2011.
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An Invitation
Latest CD Release
Sarah McLean delivers captivating instructions for the beginner, reminders for the seasoned meditator, and three soothing guided meditations. A selection of crystal bowl healing sounds makes this CD perfect for anyone seeking a soulful companion for meditation. More
Upcoming Retreats
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The Best Meditation Timer
Meditate without having to keep an eye on the clock. With a gentle gong you’ll ease in and out of your meditation session. You don’t need it to meditate, but it sure is nice! Find out more
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