As some of you may have noticed, I've been on a bit of a hiatus lately. For about a year now, I've struggled with my writing. I've dutifully applied the BIC (butt in chair) method each night, writing something - anything - hoping the inspiration would follow, but it hasn't. I've become increasingly frustrated, which hasn't done much to call the muse back to me.
So a few weeks ago, I decided to give myself permission to not write for awhile. Rather than wait for the inspiration to come to me in my room, I've been getting out, trying new things, being open to new ideas and new people outside my usual circle.
Last night I went with my husband to a meditation session at a Buddhist center one of his cycling friends goes to. I don't consider myself Buddhist, but there are aspects of Buddhist thought and practice that I think are compatible with most beliefs. Sit quietly and be in the moment - who can argue with that?
While we were waiting for the session to begin, Dan picked up a brochure and I looked over his shoulder. What did I see, but a writer's retreat at a Buddhist center in Colorado! In this retreat program, you learn how to apply meditation techniques to the writing process.
When I got home, I got online, feeling sure that the program must be full by now, or airfare would be outrageous. I was wrong on both counts, and my boss gave me a day off without even bothering to look at a calendar. So on October 29, I'm off to the Rockies for a weekend writing/meditation retreat!
If anyone else is interested, there seems to still be space available. The program can also be extended into a four-day or six-day workshop if you have time and funds for that sort of thing (which I do not).
So here it is: Authentic Inspiration: A Weekend for Writers with Susan Piver
The program appears to be ecumenical, so if you're intrigued, don't let the fact that it's at a Buddhist center turn you off. Contact them and ask for more information.
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5 comments:
Colorado. Dang! So close, but not close enough.
October 8, 2010 at 12:02 PMWell, it's northern Colorado. Closer to Cheyenne, Wyoming, than to Denver, but flights to Denver from Houston are cheaper than flights to Cheyenne. All of this is, of course, not particularly close to Montana.
October 8, 2010 at 12:26 PMWell, not close enough, anyway. It's only a few hundred miles, but still a full day each way.
October 13, 2010 at 9:42 AMI owe you an email! So much happening... 2010 has definitely been a year of challenges.
October 14, 2010 at 1:48 AMThat sounds good, to give yourself a break. I had a horrible writing slump back in 2007, and what helped me out of it was blogging for the kitties. It was fun, I could relax, and lo and behold, the muse came wandering back.
And wow, great minds think alike -- I've been getting more and more into Buddhist thought, practice, and philosophy myself. I find it endlessly fascinating and grounding and comforting and refreshingly civilized and practical.
Congratulations on getting in on the Writer's Meditation Retreat! That sounds absolutely wonderful.
So? Are you inspired yet?
October 18, 2010 at 1:04 PMPost a Comment