The Contemplative Creative: A Writing Retreat for Women
Step away from noise, urgency, and expectation to a space where writing is treated as a sacred practice. Where process, not product, is the order of the day. This communal experience is rooted in paying attention to your voice, your Higher Power, and your innate creativity.
This retreat is for women who:
Write or want to write (no publication or credentials needed)
Feel called to a more intentional creative life
Long to reconnect with their voice, imagination, and sense of calling
Seek community that is generous, thoughtful, and non-competitive
Writers of all skill—and confidence—levels are welcome.
The Heart of the Retreat
Rather than pushing for output, we cultivate practice. Rather than striving for perfection, we aim for authenticity. Writing emerges organically from silence, reflection, and shared wisdom.
Each day we’ll move through a gentle rhythm of:
Guided contemplative practices
Soulful writing invitations
Time for writing and rest
Sacred listening circles (sharing is optional, not required)
There is ample space for solitude, art activities, walking, prayer or meditation, and simply being.
What You Can Expect
Daily contemplative sessions to ground your body and spirit
Thoughtfully crafted writing prompts designed to open you up
Unhurried writing time without pressure to produce
Facilitated group conversations rooted in respect and confidentiality
A nurturing, beautiful setting that supports rest and attention
An atmosphere of welcome and trust, where every voice matters
This is workshop is not focused on critique. Instead, it centers on honoring your innate creativity and crafting the stories you are called to tell.
What You’ll Take Home
Participants often leave with:
Renewed clarity about their creative life
A deeper trust in their own voice
Writing that feels alive and honest
Practices for sustaining a contemplative creative rhythm at home
A sense of belonging and encouragement that endures
Many describe the retreat as both creatively catalytic and spiritually grounding.
A Note on Pace and Care
This retreat honors human limits. Rest is not an afterthought; it is part of the work. Silence is welcomed. Emotional and spiritual tenderness are treated with care.
You are free to participate fully and step back when needed.
Join Us
If you feel a quiet yes rising as you read, trust that response.
The Contemplative Creative is an invitation to write from the depths — and to remember that your creativity and spirituality are not separate from the rest of your life.
After 72 hours, there is a $100 cancellation fee. There are no refunds within 7 days of the retreat.
Scholarships are available. Contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org for more information.
A minimum of 12 guests is required for the retreat to take place. Guests are fully refunded if the event is cancelled by St. Mary’s Sewanee.
Lodging in Anna House (motel style room, private bathroom), meals, program fees and materials included
Lodging dorm style, private rooms, shared bathrooms, meals, program fees included
Meals, program fees and materials