Write Now. A Summer Retreat for Writers

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT

It’s hard to find the time or space to write a book. Or a play. Or a poem. Or even a letter for that matter. This retreat is designed just for you. In our countryside haven you will have the solitude to focus on your craft, bolstered by group meditation, gentle yoga, woods walks, and the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring and guidance. Each day has structure—but no requirements. Making amazing progress? Stay at your desk and keep writing. Done for the day? Join like-minded people as you explore your craft together.

BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT: Do you know someone who would like this program, but hasn’t been to the Center? Bring them, and you both get a 10% discount on your entire program package. For the discount to apply, there must be two reservations, at least one of whom has not taken a Dharmakaya Center class previously. At checkout, apply the Discount Code: BringAFriend. May not be combined with an Early Bird Discount.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: We are pleased to be able to offer partial scholarships for this program. Please apply here.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This retreat is designed to nourish both the creative mind and the soul. Whether you are seeking structured support for your writing or the freedom to immerse yourself in solitude, our retreat provides the ideal environment to reconnect with your craft.

Each day begins in silence, with an optional morning meditation or yoga session, held in our sun-dappled Meditation Hall or Outdoor Practice Pavilion overlooking the woods. These gentle practices help clear the mind, spark creativity, and set a focused intention for the day ahead. After a nourishing breakfast, you can retreat to your chosen workspace—be it your room, the library, or a bench in our 90 acres of woods.

The full morning is set aside as a writing block to ensure uninterrupted time to immerse in your work.

Afternoons invite deeper creative exploration through additional writing time, meditation sessions, yoga, or mindful walks through scenic trails. Optional coaching sessions provide individualized guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. Whether you need help overcoming writer’s block, refining your voice, or plotting your next novel, our expert coach, Minna Proctor, is here to support your journey.

Evenings offer the chance to share work in a relaxed setting, connect with fellow writers, or simply unwind beneath the stars.

Whether you seek solitude or community, structure or freedom, this retreat is a sanctuary, providing the private space and quiet environment—free from the distractions of everyday life—for you to engage in your writing practice.

PERSONAL MANUSCRIPT COACHING

The objective of an individual coaching session will be to emerge with a clear and feasible set of next steps and a strong articulation of what your project is and where you are in the process

• Includes reading up to 10,000 words
• After 100 pages, please calculate an additional $100 per 100 pages
• For projects that don’t fit into these parameters, feel free to contact Minna through [email protected] with questions
• Manuscripts should be delivered 1-2 days before the coaching session

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
• Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
• Shamatha and guided meditations
• Gentle yoga
• Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
• Extensive library of dharma books
• Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna

OPEN TO ALL

There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.

SCHEDULE

(subject to change)

Friday, August 1

Saturday, August 2-Thursday, August 7 (all activities optional)

Friday, August 8