Sea Wolf Books
& Community Writing Center
Resolve to Move, Resolve to Write
Resolve to Move, Resolve to Write
Resolve to Move, Resolve to Write
Jan 12-15, 2024
Yachats, Oregon
Explore generative and creative practices in yoga, somatics and writing in a beautiful setting with the guidance and support of skilled teachers. Our goal as facilitators is to help each participant recognize, develop and explore their creative strengths through the intimacy of awareness, movement and writing.
There will be a focus on social justice throughout the weekend. as well as a special emphasis on developing our own practices in each discipline so that there is scaffolding for continuing in this work when we are back in our regular lives.
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YOGA and SOMATICS
This weekend we will discuss what we want to receive from the process of yoga in the year to come. We will get curious about ourselves and how “we are” in class/life. There are as many reasons to do yoga as there are people on this Earth and they are all valid. Through the yogic concept of self-observation, the somatic practices of feeling through our experiences, and the call to presence held in both- we will begin to pull at the strings that tie us to what no longer serves us.
Yoga asana has stolen the show in popular culture- seemingly all we know about this ancient system. But, deeper study reveals the heart of yoga is rooted in myth and metaphor, calming the mind, and easing suffering. Yoga wants us to know ourselves- and discover our true nature through radical acceptance. Yoga asana is a somatic practice in and of itself. We will learn to weave in tools gleaned from Somatics to fortify our asana, meditation and breathing exercises.
WRITING
In the same breath that people express an interest in writing, they often also express nervousness that they aren’t good at it, don’t have any ideas for an interesting story, or are overwhelmed by less-than-ideal memories of being “taught” to write as younger people. One of the main goals of this writing workshop is to help people access writing as creative enjoyment, whether you are writing stories from your life or from your imagination (or both!) While writing is an artistic discipline, it is also a practice and serves a wide range of purposes. You don’t need to already feel like you’re a writer to participate. The workshop is designed and facilitated to support anyone interested in writing in thoughtful, community-supported and creative ways.
Over the course of our time together you will have a variety of opportunities to write alone and in the structured company of others. Using short, interesting examples from diverse authors and engaging writing prompts, participants will likely find it enjoyable and rewarding to put pen to paper. The workshop can be used for writing poetry, short stories, memoir, and/or something else entirely. (And you definitely don’t need to know what you want to do.) Throughout the weekend, we will explore several different kinds of writing prompts as well as go over general tips and suggestions for strengthening work in the writing and editing processes, wherever your starting place is. We will learn/review the Amherst Writers & Artists Method, a great scaffold to use when back at home. Pat Schneider who developed this method states:
“Whether your purpose for writing is artistic expression, communication with friends and family, the healing of the inner life, or achieving public recognition for your art — the foundation is the same: the claiming of yourself as an artist/writer and the strengthening of your writing voice through practice…”
Relatedly, the following affirmations from the Amherst Method are at the foundation of this workshop:
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Everyone has a strong, unique voice.
Everyone is born with creative genius.
Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level.
A writer is someone who writes.
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*Sharing your written work at the retreat is completely optional and not at all expected or required.
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INCLUDED IN RETREAT TUITION
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Three-night stay at a very special retreat house in Yachats, Oregon. There’s a hot tub! And it’s a short walk or drive to the beach. Lots of hiking trails nearby as well.
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Guided yoga and writing experiences
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Time for independent reflection, relaxation, writing, surfing, kayaking, walking, hiking, birdwatching, time in nature, etc.
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Meals included: Dinner on Friday; Breakfast and dinner on Saturday; Breakfast and dinner on Sunday; Breakfast on Monday. *Lunch not included.
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Retreat activities begin at 5pm Friday, January 12 and end at 10am on Monday, January 15.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
FRIDAY:
Arrival at 5pm
5pm Welcome and get settled
6pm Dinner, introductions, social hour
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SATURDAY
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
10am-12pm Creative Writing Workshop
12-5pm Independent time, explore Yachats, reading, writing, beach walk, stretching, hiking, etc.
5-7pm Soma Yoga: Sensing, Exploring, Experiencing
7:15pm Dinner/Social Hour
SUNDAY
8:30-9:30 Breakfast
10am-12pm Creative Writing Workshop
12-5pm Independent time, explore Yachats, reading, writing, beach walk, stretching, hiking, etc.
5-7pm Design Your Yoga
7:15pm Dinner/Social Hour
8:15-9pm Optional open mic
MONDAY
8-8:30am Integration Session
8:30-9:15am Breakfast
9:15am-10am Closing Circle
10-11am Check out
RETREAT RATES
$800 - Retreat + 3 nights in private room with King or Queen bed
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$650 - Retreat + 3 nights in a shared room with two bunk beds
$500 - Program participation and meals only-no sleeping accommodations
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3 private rooms left
Cancellation policy
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Life happens! If you need to cancel your registration for the upcoming retreat, here’s what you need to know:
If you cancel two weeks or more before January 12, you will receive a refund of 60%.
If you need to cancel in the two weeks leading up to the retreat, you will receive a 25% refund.
ABOUT HEATHER
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Heather Carpenter is a 500hr E-RYT, LMT, doula, yoga studio owner, mother of 4, and singer/songwriter. Heather lives in Port Orford where she teaches yoga teacher trainings, weekly yoga classes and practices massage at her studio. She has been doing yoga since her teens and teaching for over a decade. Heather is passionate about continuing education and has studied with many talented teachers over the years. Her intimate knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology plus her love of somatics fuel her classes. She teaches to all levels and is skilled at adapting poses and classes in the moment for her students. Heather’s style is approachable and her love of yoga and the deep philosophical teachings behind it shine through in her classes.
ABOUT CHARLIE
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Charlie J. Stephens is a non-binary writer from the Pacific Northwest. Born and raised in Salem, Oregon, Charlie has lived all over the U.S. as a bike messenger, wilderness guide, high school English and creative writing teacher, and seasonal shark diver (for educational purposes only.) Always encouraged by their grandma and mom to write stories, putting pen to paper has long been a part of their life. They are a resident of Port Orford on the southern Oregon coast and the owner of Sea Wolf Books & Community Writing Center. Charlie’s short fiction has appeared in Electric Literature, Best Small Fictions Anthology, New World Writing, Original Plumbing, Feminist Press, and elsewhere. Their debut novel, “A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest” will be published by Torrey House Press in April 2024. You can learn more about their writing life at www.charliejstephenswriting.com.
Here are some testimonials from our most recent retreat:
"I would whole-heartedly recommend this retreat to others! This carefully curated experience was a full-bodied, full spirited, joyful and restorative time for me this winter." Kat
"Heather and Charlie provided a safe and dynamic space for connection, expression and movement. Their affordable pricing and value made it an even better investment in the future me." Sara
"This was the most gentle and nurturing experience that allowed me to be present in my body, heart, and soul: to heal and just be." Heather
"Charlie and Heather shared their unique talents with generosity and joy, making it easy to access the most creative parts of myself." Kim
"I appreciated the efforts and forethought of everything Charlie and Heather provided, from the writing sessions to the yoga practice to all the delicious and nourishing meals." Jackie
"This was just what I needed: a reminder that the elements of this weekend are all within my grasp (yoga, writing, movement, nourishing food, rest, and good conversation.) Charlie and Heather have a way of providing comfort and healing to those around them and made such a great team." Alexa
We are very much looking forward to spending the weekend with everyone.
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If you would like more information please email southcoastretreats@gmail.com.