The Wordless Way - A Mindfulness & Writing Retreat

We welcome back Guest Teachers from Stanford University for another contemplative writing retreat!

This five-day retreat is designed for anyone interested in deepening their awareness and surfacing more vividly their inner life. Based on a program they developed at Stanford University, Jonah and Andrew will show participants how to use writing as a contemplative practice, creating the space to relax, expand, and allow language to express their most authentic selves. Set in the natural beauty and sacred spaces of Ratna Ling, the retreat will be especially useful for those wanting to tap their own reservoirs of intuition, creativity and inner knowledge to meet the challenges we have been experiencing in the world.

COVID POLICY: For your safety and ours, we require proof of vaccination AND negative test result from all visitors to Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.

The retreat will blend creative practice, contemplation, and engagement with the natural environment. Over the course of five days, participants will learn elements of writing craft, including a series of pre-writing and writing practices that clear mental chatter, enhance awareness, and deepen access to the imagination. These practices help contemplatives, writers and other creatives in a variety of ways, from discovering our true subjects to developing a more direct and transparent voice. In responding to the writing we do together, our emphasis will be less on the pursuit of elegant expression than on arriving at an honest image or clear insight. Participants will have the opportunity to meet individually with retreat leaders about their creative and contemplative process.

Each day will feature a mix of discussion, creative and contemplative practice, shared meals, and walks in the wild landscape, with ample time for writing, reflection and solitude. In the evenings, participants may gather informally during evening meals for conversation with retreat leaders.

No prior experience with contemplative practice is required, and all levels of writing experience are welcome.

Testimonial from past guests:

“The Wordless Way retreat was the most meaningful and impactful learning and personal growth experience in which I have ever participated.”

“I learned more about writing than I thought I could in 5 days. I am more transformed, open and joyful. Both leaders of our workshop were personable – easy to spend 5 days with – but also experts who taught in approachable, inspiring ways.”

“It clarified introspection and it provided a way – the way – of observing without filter.“

“Helped me slow down and connect to myself and restored my connection to my “writing” self.”

COST
The total cost of the retreat is $2,900 in a shared spacious 2-bedroom cottage. The fee includes lodging, meals, instruction, and retreat materials. Not included are travel to and from the retreat center. Students are requested to bring their own laptop and a physical journal. We are happy to offer partial scholarships for those in need. To apply, please follow this link.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
The retreat will begin with a welcome dinner and opening session starting at 5:30 PM on Tuesday 6/18, and close with a farewell brunch on Sunday 6/23. Participants may check-in on Tuesday, beginning at 3:00 PM and will depart their cottages by 12PM on Sunday.

ACCOMMODATIONS and MEALS
Participants will stay in double-occupancy cottages at the Ratna Ling Retreat Center. All meals will be vegetarian and prepared on site by Ratna Ling. Restricted diets (gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated and all cottages have small kitchens with refrigerators for personal food items. While wine and beer are permitted in the cottages, alcohol is not allowed in Ratna Ling’s dining room or common areas. For details about the cottages and cuisine, visit Ratna Ling’s website.

WALKING
We will walk as a group on moderate, well-maintained trails near our lodgings. Participants will also have the opportunity to walk on their own when not in session.

REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
We will accept participants on a first come, first served basis. To secure your place, the retreat fee is due upon registration. To register, please visit: https://ratnaling.org/retreats/

WHAT TO BRING
In the summer, this area of northern California averages in the 80s during the day and in the 50s at night, and we may sometimes meet outside in the early evenings, so layering is recommended. Please bring whatever clothing you feel will be comfortable, especially for long walks. We do recommend sturdy shoes with ankle support since we will be walking on unpaved trails. We also encourage you to bring a day pack, water bottle, sunscreen, and hat. In addition to your laptop, we request that you bring a journal or writer’s notebook and a number of your favorite pens.

Please note that walking is optional, and participants with all levels of mobility are welcome.

Schedule (Subject to change):

Day 1 (Arrival Day) – Tuesday, June 18th
2:00-5:00 PM Check in
5:30-6:15 PM Welcome Dinner
7:00-8:30 PM Retreat Session

Days 2-5 – Wednesday, June 17th through Saturday, June 22nd
7:30-8:00 AM Ratna Ling Meditation
8:00-8:45 AM Silent Breakfast
9:30-12:00 PM Retreat Session
12:15-1:00 PM Lunch
1:00-3:00 PM Personal time, journaling, walking, or bodywork by appointment.
3:00-5:00 PM Retreat Session
5:30-6:15 PM Dinner
6:30-8:00 PM Suggested Walking Period

Day 6 (Departure Day) – Sunday, June 23rd
7:30-8:00 AM Ratna Ling Meditation
8:00-8:45 AM Silent Coffee, Tea and Fruit
9:00-11:00 AM Retreat Session
11:00-12:00 PM Farewell Brunch
1:30 PM Check out and Departure