So, you’ve finally decided that the only way to make progress on your writing project will be to run away to sequester yourself on an official “writer’s retreat”. Maybe you’ve even scheduled to join my friend Dr. Elinor Robin, June 18 – 20, 2015 in Boca Raton at The Writer’s Retreat…
What do you need to know to make the most of the Writer’s Retreat experience?
Here are a few of my best suggestions:
Don’t get too hung up on the location or the accommodation details. It’s good if the hotel is boring and the location less than exciting. You’re on a retreat to write, not take a vacation. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Take a friend along, as long as that friend will serve as creative inspiration, not your worst critic. Remember, if you’re attending a group event, let the facilitator know that you’ll need a room with two beds and you’ll need meals for a second person. Be sure you understand the costs for either single or double occupancy and what is included.
And if you are relishing in the possibility of being alone for once, then, by all means, chose to come alone and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Bring some inspiration with you – books, music, art. Get some fresh air and integrate some stretching breaks into your day. If it serves you, start your day with yoga, tai chi or meditation.
Don’t worry about what you’ll wear, or about putting on makeup or shaving, or anything else that you feel you “should” do just to “look good” to the group. Release your self-judgments around pubic appearances for these few days. How you dress is not important during this event. Pack light and bring comfortable clothing. Bring a swim suit if you wish to refresh yourself in the pool if there is one.
Do bring your favorite writing implements and anything that is part of your normal writing ritual. Retreats are generally working, writing events. Remember your ipod, playlist and head phones if you use them. Don’t forget the chargers for your electronics if you need them. If you have visual posters, mind maps, inspiration boxes or other materials that support your project, bring them along, too.
Arrive on time for the start of the retreat so that you can participate in the introductions and intention setting rituals.
As you settle in, remind yourself why you’re here. You’re leaving distraction behind and giving yourself this time and space so that you can write uninterrupted, with commitment and conviction.
Set a specific intention and then share it with the group. Do you want to write a number of words/pages/chapters during the retreat time? Or, is it your intention to advance the project to a certain stage? Or, are you here to put the finishing touches on a project that is ready to be declared as “complete”? Maybe you’re here to get “unstuck”?
Accept that there’s a part of you that will want you to leave before the first evening is over. This is normal. Hang in there. Remember, you’re on retreat for a reason – you have an intention to write, and write and write. Your Inner Critic will want to hold you back. She/he will provide you with all kinds of evidence that you’ve made a mistake by giving your writing your full attention now. Gently invite him/her to leave you alone for the weekend and seek support with the inspirational tools you’ve brought along. Affirmations and totems work, so do crystals and essential oils if you are so inclined.
Do your best to honor your intention to be sequestered. Plan to be uninterrupted. Give your family and friends specific instructions that make it possible for you to be left alone unless there is an extreme emergency.
Follow your natural rhythms. Balance your desire to create with your need to hydrate, eat and rest. Familiarize yourself with the hotel/retreat center menus and options so that you can make choices efficiently and effectively.
Bring any special dietary items and any snacks you’ll want to treat yourself to while you’re writing. Same goes for specialty tea or coffee. Generally, you’ll have a coffee maker in your room, and hot water available.
Make connections with the other participants. Use the opportunity to expand your circle of creative support to include as many of your fellow retreat attendees as possible. Make arrangements to stay in touch following the event. Be sure to check in with the facilitator to get any details about continuing support, other group gatherings, social media groups, and future retreats.
Be sure to thank the people in your life who is taking over for you while you step out of your day to day responsibilities to go off to write your dreams.
Leave with the intention of nurturing your creative spark regularly. Writer’s write. Find a way to schedule some amount of writing into your day to day. And, if that’s not possible, then begin planning for your next retreat immediately.
Make a commitment to your practice of writing and reach out for support when you need it. Don’t allow yourself to stay “stuck”. Creativity Coaches help clients focus on the goals and concerns specific to those who create. Most coaches offer free clarity sessions to anyone curious about the benefits of coaching support.
To schedule a clarity session with me, Nanette Saylor, simply send me an email at nanette@wisewellwomen.com with “Clarity Session Request” in the subject line and I’ll get you scheduled as soon as possible.