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Writing into Autumn

with Christine Valters Paintner

September 25, 2021

9 am – 12 pm Pacific

12-3 pm Eastern

5-8 pm Ireland/UK time

Program Description

Join us just after the autumn equinox when light and dark come into balance around the world for this Zoom mini-retreat session where we will explore writing in alignment with the turning of the seasons. The equinoxes, solstices, and Celtic cross-quarter days are all threshold moments and portals to a new season of life. We are invited to listen to the new invitations being offered by the earth’s turning. Autumn is also a time of harvesting the bounty of summer and releasing into autumn’s call to slow down, turn inward, and embrace the slowly growing darkness.

Christine will guide you through different intuitive exercises to help you access writing as a process of discovery and harvest of your inner wisdom. In this way we can approach our writing practice in an organic way, not “forcing or holding back” as the poet Rilke once wrote but allowing what wants to emerge in the moment. This is a practice of honoring the path of the sacred feminine. Along the way we will discover what wants to be released to make more space for our creative longings and what riches want to be gathered within us. The practice of writing itself holds this tension between letting go and gathering in.

We will engage in both free writing and poetry writing and all are welcome regardless of level of experience. This is a generative workshop, we are not here to edit our work, but to show up for the Creative Source when we slow down and listen to what is erupting in the silence. You will be invited to set aside your planning mind and enter into the playfulness of the creative mind, letting your writing guide you on a journey of discovery.

In addition to the writing exercises Christine will guide us in the contemplative practice of lectio divina, silence, reading of poems, song, gentle movement invitations to shift your energy and focus, and an optional chance to share a piece your writing in small groups in a contemplative and structured way. These contemplative and creative practices help to stir the soul’s imagery and allow space to listen and receive their gifts.

The retreat will be recorded for those who pre-register but are unable to attend at the scheduled time.

Your Guides for the Journey

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Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, REACE

Christine is the director of AbbeyoftheArts.com, a virtual monastery exploring contemplative practice, creative expression, and ways to nourish an earth-cherishing consciousness. She is a spiritual director, teacher, pilgrimage guide, and author of nine books on spirituality and the arts. Her deepest belief is that the earth is the original monastery–a wisdom guide and mentor in living a soulful and vibrant life. Visit the “About Christine” page for more information.

Registration

Registration is being hosted by St. Placid Priory. The link below will redirect you to their registration system.

All prices displayed in USD.

$55

Program fee