retreats & immersions

free event

Writing as meditation

Sunday, September 22, 2019   |   2 - 4 pm
at Sukhasidhi Foundation, Fairfax, California
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Writing can be used as a meditation practice as well as for creative expression. In this free afternoon introduction, you will learn principles and practices that will help you use the mind of meditation to access a deeper source of wisdom and clarity, loosening the grip of your critical mind so that expression can flow freely, which is one of the ultimate fruits of meditation. A powerful practice for all levels of writers and meditators—the depth depends on your willingness to enter into the unknown. Those who resonate with the practice are welcome to join in the day-long writing immersion on September 29 to dive in deep and jumpstart your writing practice. Please bring a notebook and pen. Free.

one-day retreat

Writing deep & wide

Sunday, September 29, 2019   |   10 am - 5 pm
at Sukhasidhi Foundation, Fairfax, California
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Writing can be a powerful form of meditation, allowing you to observe the content of your mind as well as the blocks and the pathways to expressing yourself with ease. This approach to writing draws on the mind of meditation to access the natural stream of your creative energy, and on intuition to explore new areas that open up for you in the process. In an atmosphere of warmth and non-judgment, free of criticism, we will write together from evocative prompts and dive deep into what is calling for expression now, both creatively and spiritually. A powerful practice for all levels of writers and meditators. Please bring a notebook and a pen.
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A free introduction event Writing as Meditation, will be September 22, 2-4 pm.
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Sliding scale: $85 – $125,  Members: $65 – $85
Includes center and teacher donation. Students, seniors and low income, please pay what you can afford.

writing as meditation

​introduction to
Writing from the Soul

Saturday, December 14, 2019   |   2 - 5 pm
​​Part of the Yoga of Writing series at Mountain Yoga, Oakland, California
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Come immerse yourself in writing as deep play and use the mind of meditation to access the natural stream of your expression. In an atmosphere of warmth and non-judgement, free of critical evaluation, we will create a welcoming space to be daring and self-revealing, loosening the grip of our critical minds so that expression can flow freely, which is one of the ultimate goals of meditation.
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As we alternate writing and reading aloud, we will cultivate mindful attention to our bodies to help us locate a source of expression beyond the discursive mind. Timed freewrites from evocative prompts will guide the process. All levels of writers and meditators will benefit — the depth of the practice depends on your willingness to open to the unknown.  ​
​I would recommend this process to anyone who is interested in tapping into deep inner currents through writing. I found it to be an eye opening, healing and enjoyable practice. Jane does a great job facilitating so it is a safe place to be authentic and emotional. 

—Sonja V, financial advisor and yoga practitioner, California


What I got from this day is how valuable it is just to witness the experience of others and affirm it without words. What I got from this day is the power of non-judgement: how empowering is the knowledge that no matter what I write I will not hear anything back, I will not have to read what people meant into what they said, I will not have to wonder whether the feedback is really about me or about them, whether the compliment is genuine or just an act of kindness or a lip service. What I got from this day is the recognition that laughter and tears are powerful forms of feedback.

—Amir M, blog writer and spiritual practitioner, California

a self-directed process tailored to your needs

solo
​Writing retreat

From one day to a number of weeks.
​Can be scheduled anywhere in the world, at your convenience.
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A solo writing retreat at a location of your choice supports you in a self-directed process that is tailored to your needs.

​The retreat can be done to establish a strong writing practice, to work with the freewrites you've been generating in your practice, or to make headway on a book or other writing project. For less than the cost of a group retreat, you will receive a great deal of individualized attention, and you will have the time and space to digest and work with what you are learning. This potent process can bring you to a whole new level in your writing and expression.

How it works:
  • We first meet by phone to discuss your intentions and create a structure and schedule for your retreat time, which can be anywhere from a day, to a weekend, to a couple of weeks. You decide where you want to stay and make the relevant arrangements. You could bring your laptop to a comfy airbnb, or a pile of notebooks to a tent by the river. The only requirement is that you have access to adequate internet or phone service for us to do our sessions. 
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  • Depending on the length of your retreat and how much support you would like, we can schedule a session once a day, twice a day, every other day, or at the beginning, middle and end of the retreat.  The cost depends on the number of sessions you want to include. I offer these sessions at the same package rates as individual mentoring, and all of my rates are on a sliding scale. As an example, a weekend retreat that included a planning session and an hour-long meeting on each day of the retreat would range in cost from $220-$370 USD.

Email me with any questions and to set up a free 30-minute consultation to discuss the possibilities.
 "I just finished a solo long-distance writing retreat with Jane. To say I am thrilled is an understatement.  Jane is a relaxed, attentive and wise teacher. I experienced her as a unique and exceptional guide — for both one’s writing and awakening. 

My goal was to free up my writing and lift it to a new level. Her approach helped me to let go and touch into a deeper source in myself. Because I felt safe and held, not judged or corrected, I was able to express myself in a more direct way. A side affect was to expose and begin to heal some of my limiting beliefs. I feel like I have been on a spiritual journey as well as writing retreat. 

I learned to deal with my demons, with hitting the wall, with getting myself started and keeping myself going on my own. In addition, I was able to write about issues I had avoided before. Now at the end of the process, I feel more confident about accessing my own source, my own stories and my own voice. I feel more patient with the process and am willing to let it work in its own time. And on top of all this it was great fun! We laughed a lot, cried a bit and did good work. What more could one ask for?"
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        —Mara S, retired corporate consultant, poet and storyteller, Norway

you don't have to do it alone.

mentoring for writers.

Wherever you are in your process, I offer support for you to access the courage to be more transparent in your writing — and in your life. ​ Free 30-minute consultation to see if mentoring is right for you.