A Women’s

Meditation & Writing Retreat

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. Removing the stress and opening ourselves up to who we really are, outside of the roles and relationships we play, gives us the ability to access this place of authenticity.

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 of spaciousness and creativity.

You’ll write, listen to yourself, and be heard, perhaps for the very first time. No writing or meditation experience is necessary.  Facilitated by meditation instructor Sarah McLean and writer/artist Victoria Nelson. 

Retreat Details: Austin, Texas

Held at the Alma de Mujer Retreat Center in Austin, Texas. Alma de Mujer means “soul of a woman” and being in this setting certainly soothes the soul. The natural and rustic setting provides a beautiful, private environment where you can deeply listen to yourself. This retreat conference center nestled in a fertile valley surrounded by trees and streams, 20 miles northwest of Austin in the beautiful foothills at Lake Travis, at 13621 FM 2769. 

Austin Tuition:

• $325 per person early registration (21 days in advance)
• $425 per person regular registration.
• Alumni, take 25% off of the registration fee.
• Add $150 per person for shared lodging onsite in rustic cabins.

Tuition includes some meals:

• A vegetarian dinner on Friday evening
• breakfast and a vegetarian lunch on Saturday
• and breakfast on Sunday

Optional Housing:
Tuition does not include housing. You can make your own housing arrangements, or, if you'd like to stay in the writing cabin, the cost is $150 for shared lodging for two nights (limited space is available - register for this when you sign up for the retreat).

Retreat Hours:

• Friday 4 pm – 9 pm
• Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. Dinner on your own, free evening
• Sunday 9 am – 11:30 am

To find out more about the retreat in Austin, call Stacy 512.484.0811.

Retreat Details: Sedona 

The retreat will be held at the Ponderosa Cabin at Briar Patch Inn in 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 ten women.

Sedona Tuition:

• $325 per person early registration (21 days in advance)
• $425 per person regular registration
• Alumni, 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 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, 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 - register for this when you sign up for the retreat).  
 

Retreat Hours:

• Friday 4 pm – 9 pm
• Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. Dinner on your own, free evening
• Sunday 9 am – 11:30 am

Call 928.204.0067 to find out more about the Sedona retreat.

Retreat Facilitators:

Sarah McLean:

Along with my 19-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 2010.

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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. Find out more

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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