Realizing Freedom Together Through Writing
With Caverly Morgan and Ashley Dahl, MSW, CMT-P
February 9 - 11, 2024
A Winter Retreat on Whidbey Island
“Writing, for me, is one way that I get to be alone with spirit.”
– Caverly Morgan
Join Caverly for an inaugural launch of a new line of offerings: Realizing Freedom Together through Writing. Winter is a rich time for introspection, extended periods of silence and stillness, and an exploration of the richness to be found in the darkness. We’ll do all this within a container of relational dharma. This writing retreat won’t be about hammering away at a particular body of work. You may be a professional writer and you may be new to the craft. Either way, this retreat will be an evocative invitation into the mysterious open landscape beyond the conditioned mind with a focus on deep listening, free of end-gaining. In this listening, in this openness, what voice emerges? What creative form does the emptiness take? Join us in this emergent space of finding out.
This retreat will include:
- Meditation
- Writing exercises
- Silent time to explore what’s beyond the “rules” of conditioned writing structure
- Support in channeling what’s beyond the ego, inviting it onto the page
- Relational Dharma practice that supports us in recognizing what veils truth
- Time for solitude
This retreat will also feature Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation) with Ashley Dahl, MSW, CMT-P. Yoga Nidra is a restorative practice, and a state of embodied consciousness. Calling in the beauty and intelligence of the natural world, we will take our time to gently release physical, emotional and spiritual tension. This, in turn, supports us to both rest in the nourishing liminal space between wakefulness and sleep, and to tap into our innate, compassionate and boundless creativity.
The backdrop of this retreat will be a hybrid of silence and relational time, at beautiful Whidbey Institute (WA).
Registration Details
Lodging and Commuter Packages
Packages include access to the Whidbey Institute campus, meals (dinner, February 9 through lunch, February 11), as well as coffee and tea service. Lodging packages also include 2 nights accommodations (2/9 and 2/10). Note: the Commuter package does not include accommodations and is limited to Whidbey Island residents only.
Tuition
To increase accessibility for this workshop, tuition is being offered on a sliding scale. Tuition covers the cost of teachings and is listed separately on the registration page. When registering you will be required to select a lodging or commuter package, AND a tuition option.
Scholarships
We are offering three types of limited scholarships: People who identify as BIPOC and/or are part of a marginalized community; those experiencing financial hardship; and Whidbey Island Residents. You can learn more and apply HERE. Interested in contributing to the scholarship fund? Thank you! You can do so HERE.
Faculty
Caverly Morgan is a spiritual teacher, non-profit founder, speaker and writer who blends the original spirit of Zen with a modern non-dual approach. She is the author of The Heart of Who We Are: Realizing Freedom Together as well as A Kids Book About Mindfulness. Caverly is the founder of Peace in Schools, a nonprofit that created the nation’s first for-credit mindfulness class in public high schools. Her practice began in 1995 and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery. Caverly leads meditation retreats, workshops and online classes internationally. Learn more at caverlymorgan.org.
Learn more about Caverly Morgan
Ashley is a contemplative guide, coach and educator. A champion of compassionate awareness, Ashley possesses a keen ability to infuse contemplative practice into daily life, work and relationships. She brings a presence of calm thoughtfulness and humor as she blends the teachings of wisdom traditions with modern culture. Through coaching, meditation and somatic relaxation, Ashley supports individuals and organizations to live their full creative potential without sacrificing their well-being. You can learn more about Ashley at openspacemindfulness.com.
Learn more about Ashley Dahl, MSW, CMT-P