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.
