The Contemplative Creative: A Writing Retreat for Women
Write from the Depths. Remember Your Voice.
"Your creativity and spirituality are not separate from the rest of your life."
What This Retreat Offers
Step away from noise, urgency, and expectation into a space where writing is treated as a sacred practice — where process, not product, is the order of the day. Each day moves through a gentle rhythm of guided contemplative practices, soulful writing invitations, unhurried writing time, and sacred listening circles where sharing is always optional. There is ample space for solitude, walking, prayer, meditation, and simply being. This retreat does not focus on critique or output — it centers on honoring your innate creativity, attending to your voice and your Higher Power, and crafting the stories you are called to tell. Many participants describe the experience as both creatively catalytic and spiritually grounding.
Retreat Leadership
Amy-Lyles Wilson, M.A., M.T.S. is a writer, story coach, spiritual director, and community-based teacher who believes it is the sharing of our stories that saves us. A trained facilitator of Amherst Writers & Artists and SoulCollage® workshops, she holds degrees in English, journalism, and theology and has led retreats and workshops across the South and at the Chautauqua Institution. Amy-Lyles is a former board member and program committee chair of St. Mary's Sewanee and a familiar, beloved presence in our retreat community.
Kasey Hitt, MDiv is a spiritual director, teacher, retreat leader, and co-founder of Wisdom Tree Collective, an online contemplative community offering training in spiritual formation and spiritual direction. With over twenty years of experience and a Master of Divinity from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, Kasey brings a grounded, compassionate presence rooted in contemplative practice. She is also a Level III Reiki Therapist and resides in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
Together, Amy-Lyles and Kasey create a warm, nurturing, and creatively alive environment where every participant's voice is welcomed and honored.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is especially suited for:
Women who write or want to write — no publication or credentials needed
Those feeling called to a more intentional creative life
Women longing to reconnect with their voice, imagination, and sense of calling
Those seeking community that is generous, thoughtful, and non-competitive
Writers of all skill and confidence levels — all are welcome
If you feel a quiet yes rising as you read, trust that response.
Financial Assistance
Scholarships are available for those needing financial assistance. For scholarship inquiries, contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org | 931-598-5342
Register Now!
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