This facilitated writing retreat provides a dedicated, collective time for members of a research group, centre or department to shower care on their respective writing projects.
Yes, that means to write, to make progress with ongoing academic writing!
But this begins with acknowledging that “making progress with academic writing” is often hampered by a lot of external and internal noise, and that too strong a focus on producing output tends only to increase that noise.
Getting to a state of calm and clear or creative and expansive thinking isn’t trivial – and academic writers deserve to be supported to achieve that in any way possible.
This retreat is designed to provide such support.
Participants can bring academic research- or think-pieces of any kind, in any stage of development.
Academic writers who find themselves blocked or stuck with their writing – something that is much more common than most people think, and for very good reasons – are especially warmly welcomed. This retreat is designed with them in mind.
How it works
This retreat invites participants into a series of low-stress contact moments with their academic writing projects.
It is based in embodiment coaching frameworks that support nervous system regulation and the discovery of new generative possibilities.
Key principles are:
- Care: not working too hard, attuning to one’s physical energy and mental state
- Choice: multiple options and respect for individual differences in what works for people
We engage these principles by paying more-than-usual attention to writing as a physical act, working with movement and bodily awareness. (To get a sense of this, click here.)
The online format also helps to provide care and choice in specific ways. It allows participants to regulate the duration and level of their participation. It also provides for a balance of privacy (participants being off screen and in their own space while moving and writing) and connection (participants sharing their experiences with others).
These features allow the retreat to be a welcoming space for a diverse group of individuals. Personal needs and preferences and differing levels of energy are supported. At the same time, regular check-in moments with the group foster a sense of connection and solidarity, which in turn also supports the writing.
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“I just wanted to say thank you for the excellent writing retreat. You created such a generous space for us to collectively inhabit – no mean feat in the virtual world. I got a lot out of it, as I’m sure all of us present did.”
writing retreat participant, 2022
For more information and to discuss your group’s needs and wishes, please contact me.