About the retreat:
Engagement in artistic expression often begins from a place of observation and keen attention; from a posture without expectation, a position of open receptivity. Through writing practice, this retreat will provide opportunities for participants to observe their experience, and the space to encounter themselves and their surroundings with compassion and greater clarity. The focus will be on the process and act, rather than the product. At the same time, it is precisely this process that could be described as “keeping oneself in readiness for a poem to occur”.
All are welcome to participate, whether experienced in writing or meditation. Inspired by the approaches of writers and teachers such as Natalie Goldberg, Susan G. Woolridge, Anne Lamott and David Whtye, this retreat will include sessions of writing practice, discussion/talks on creativity, awareness and writing, silent sitting meditation and guided mindfulness exercises.
Schedule
7am: sitting meditation
9:30-11:30 – class on writing and creativity; guided sessions of writing practice
3:00-5:00 – guided mindfulness exercises and writing practice
7-8pm: class and opportunity to share written work
Beverly is a lifelong observer. Through writing, painting, spending time in nature and in her professional engagement in the field of psychology, she has endeavoured to pay close attention to the world, to other people, and perhaps the most challenging - to her own mind. She has made writing her practice for over 40 years, and has published two full-length collections of poetry with Guernica Press (Footsteps on the Ceiling, and I Sleep in the Arms of Your Eyes). Her work has also appeared in journals and anthologies (e.g, the Saranac Review, Event, Red Earth Review, Modern Morsels: A Selection of Short Canadian Fiction and Poetry, The Heart is Improvisational, Poet to Poet). She has participated in retreats with Jack Connelly, in workshops and retreats with Natalie Goldberg, in mindfulness education programs (SMART Education/UBC) and provided mindfulness workshops to elementary and secondary teachers. Academically, she has completed research investigating the psychological processes underlying creativity, and the development of artistic expertise.
Important Details
When: June 26-28, 2026
Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish after lunch on the final day.
Rates: non-members: $276 members: $250
(To find out how to become a member please visit our membership page)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Teachers are sharing their experiences within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Teachers are sharing their experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations are subject to a $100 fee, which will support other low-income practitioners through our Practitioner Support Fund.
If cancellation occurs within 14 days of the retreat start date, 50% of the deposit (equivalent to 25% of the total retreat cost) will be forfeited. These funds will be directed to the Uplifted Property Fund to support the Renewal Project.