May 9-14: Yoga and Writing Retreat, Kripalu

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The Digs

The Schedule (downloadable PDF)

Packing Tips

Travel Made Easy

Authentic Writing, Yoga, Active Compassion

A Yoga As Muse Writing Retreat

with Jeffrey Davis

In the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts

May 9-14, 2010

Registration is now open.

What happens to your authentic voice when yoga awakens your ears to the self within and the selves without? Join us and find out. In this retreat-style program, you will experience specific ways to integrate yoga's tools into a creative writing process that helps you uncover an authentic voice. Each morning-time Yoga As Muse session will guide you through an expanding ring of writer's compassion - to voice the innermost self, "difficult characters" (real and imagined), society's marginalized and unheard figures, and the "more-than-human" realms of plants and animals. In the afternoon, we will discuss the heart & soul of craft in three genres and also participate in optional sharing sessions in a safe atmosphere. Jeffrey will draw from the writings of Robert Olen Butler, Mary Oliver, and others for inspiration, and will draw from the revised edition of his book The Journey from the Center to the Page: Yoga Philosophies & Practices as Muse for Authentic Writing (Monkfish 2008). You will come away with renewed confidence & versatility, numerous tools, and follow-up support for a fulfilling journey home.

Curious yogis, journalers and aspiring writers, professional writers, and teachers of writing are welcome. No yoga background is required.

Download a flyer and share with a friend. (PDF)

Easy Sign Up

The Digs

THE KRIPALU CENTER is North America's most established center for pursuing body-mind and personal growth studies. Surrounded by hundreds of acres and situated on a hilltop in Western Massachusetts' Berkshire Mountains, the center offers you access to bucolic fields, mysterious woodlands, and inspiring views. You're in for a treat on this retreat.

From Kripalu's website:

The Kripalu Kitchen uses high-quality, all-natural ingredients to offer an array of nutritionally sound choices at every meal. Whole grains, fresh vegetables, and legumes form the backbone of the menus, with organic poultry, fish, and dairy products as optional protein sources.

Meals are served buffet-style. Fresh salad fixings and a selection of delicious salad dressings are always available, as are our famous freshly baked breads. Additionally, a macrobiotically influenced Buddha Bar offers legumes, brown rice, sea vegetables, and other simply prepared options.

In addition to Kripalu's savory meals, you also will have options to attend Kripalu Yoga Classes, Kripalu YogaDance classes, concerts, and more. You will have time to roam, lean, loaf, and invite your soul in alone or with a new friend.

We will meet every morning for three hours and every afternoon for two hours. The JOURNEY experience offers you the best of all worlds - transformative Yoga As Muse experiences, sessions on craft & feedback, conviviality, and solitude.

Oh! And did we mention that Kripalu offers an array of healing arts?

Lodging rooms range from dormitory style to shared. Regardless of the room you choose, you will be guaranteed a room decorated and designed to bring you comfort and peace. Bunk, twin, double, and queen-sized beds are available depending upon your preferences and budget. Register soon to get your choice.

Packing Tips - what to bring

* a copy of The Journey from the Center to the Page (updated edition published by Monkfish, 2008)

* notebook, pen, laptop (if you wish)

* comfortable clothes for movement

* walking shoes

* clothes for temperatures ranging usually in the sunny 50s and 60s (Check the weather, though!)

* an inspiring book

* anything you've written that you want to develop or read aloud (not required)

* copies of the common readings

* a flashlight

Travel Made Easy

Kripalu Center is easily accessible by plane, train, automobile, or bus.