๐ Let's have a cozy writing day together
Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl
Dearest camerados,
I'm writing this to you on the coziest day of autumn here in MN so far: It's a charcoal morning, soft rain falling on the leaves of the trees outside my window, which are turning yellow, orange, red. The street is covered in leaves because it rained all night. It's chilly and sometimes the wind howls through, which always sounds deliciously spooky as it runs through our balcony.ย
The house across the street has twinkle lights. Circe is sleeping next to me here on the bed. I've lit a candle because it's the time of year when candlelight makes everything better. I have candles scattered all over the house now, a Scandinavian hack for seasonal depression I've learned about over the years. Oh, and I'm wearing a sweater that feels like it was woven out of clouds by tenderhearted elves.ย
If you want to know the vibe for my upcoming Cozy Mini Writing Retreat, the image above from the exquisite Little Witch Hazel says it all.ย
While I can't guarantee elves or mushroom tables, we will have:
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3 Hours (with breaks for stretching and nourishment)
Writing prompts for you, your book, and the season that bring mindful approaches onto the page: I share the prompt, we write together, then explore what came up for us
Short dips throughout our time into guided meditation, focusing on self-compassion
Intimate discussion led by me:ย listen or speak, no pressure. (As requested, there will be no small groups so that all pressure is off if you want to just bask in introverted bliss).ย
A group tarot journaling exercise to send us off into this season of going inward. (No need to bring cards, as I'll be pulling for the whole group).ย
No one will be turned away for lack of funds and it's a sliding scale from $65 - $25, pay what you're able.ย
This is the return to creative source I need. A hot mug, paper and pen, a thick blanket, all in a personal sanctuary for me and my words. Maybe I'll allow Circe in, too. Cats make everything cozier.ย
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When I first conceived of this mini retreat, I basically wanted to step into a story like Little Witch Hazel, a genre of picture book I love where anthropomorphic creatures live in cozy dens. As a child - okay, even now - I wanted to live at the base of a tree, with a rounded hobbit door. I'd wear felt slippers and sleep under quilts and live by candlelight, eating berries from my neighbors, the deer. Braided rugs under my feet, cups of hot cocoa, a roaring fireplace despite the fact that I live in a tree.ย
How to do that in retreat form? Basically, this is the COZIEST writing afternoon. Before the retreat, I'll be sending out a few suggestions on how to prep. It includes some pre-retreat support, like taking more smallish naps, finding the perfect pair of thick socks, deciding on your hot beverages, and why sweats are your friend.ย
You will have opportunities to grow as a writer with the work we do, but it's all held in tender restfulness, channeling Little Witch Hazel herself. (Shoutout to my dear one, Camille, who introduced me to this gem of a book!)
My friend, Minna, calls this "spooky season," so of course I have some tarot for us and some reflection on how autumn brings us closer to spirit, to the thin places, and to the deep well of story.ย
In order to make this as accessible as possible, I've created a sliding scale. I don't plan to record this because, really, would you even have time to listen to it? So come. Commune with words and coziness and writing sisters.
I wish you this as you head into your weekend -
P.S.
I might have gotten a bit inspired by Little Witch Hazel and made a tiny story of what I hope this mini retreat will feel like for all of you. This is some of the coziest writing I've ever done!ย