WRITER'S REFUGE

Stillness and connection outside Washington, D.C.

A rest and restore mini-retreat for women | September 28-29, 2024

For years now, I’ve been refilling my well by taking a few days away from the demands of my regular life. It started when I was completely depleted and suffering from a brutal case of low self-esteem. I’m much better now, but I still long to get away, to disconnect from the mechanized modern way of life, and tune into something quieter and deeper.

Near me in Washington, D.C., I’ve found several places that are a drive away and one of my favorites is the retreat and conference center called Bon Secours (recommended by writer friend Mary Quattlebaum). Run by Catholic nuns who originally came to Baltimore from France, the center welcomes a wide range of both secular and non-secular groups.

My favorite parts about being there are having my own private room and bathroom, and exploring the expansive nature all around (300 acres). The last time I went there, I took long walks through the woods and around the most beautiful prairies, I lay on the lawn in the sunshine, meditated through the labyrinth, took naps in my room, ate meals that someone else had prepared, read and journaled, and walked around the pond in the moonlight.

I would love to share this experience with others, so I have planned a 24-hour rest and reset retreat, right after the brouhaha and bustle of summer. For writers it could be a time to reflect on our writing lives, needs, goals and dreams, but mostly I see the retreat as a sacred space to stop all the striving and doing and simply be.

Here is what I've planned for us:

Tentative Schedule

Saturday, September 28

2:00 Arrival and check-in

2:30 - 3:15 Opening circle

3:30 - 4:30 Center tour & walk through the woods and meadows

4:30 - 6:00 Room check-in and free time (options for being in quiet company or on one’s own)

6:00 - 7:00 Dinner together in the dining room

7:00 - 8:00 Free time

8:00 - 9:30 Evening activity (TBD: bonfire, gentle yoga, movie about creativity, music)

Sunday, September 29

7:30 - 8:15 Breakfast together

8:30 - 9:15 Labyrinth walk

9:15 - 11:00 Free time: journal, explore, read, rest

11:00 Room check-out

11:15 - 12 Nature walk

12 - 12:45 Lunch together

1 - 1:45 Closing circle

2:00 Farewells

In planning our schedule, I tried to strike a balance between being and doing, but if you need more alone time than togetherness, you should always feel free to opt out of activities and do what feels right.

Meals

Lunch and dinner at Bon Secours typically include at least 1 entrée, two sides, a robust salad bar, and dessert. Breakfast includes a wide range of options from eggs and breakfast meat to bagels, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. Beverages and fruit are available throughout the day in hospitality lounges located on each floor of the center. Most dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free) can be accommodated by the chef.

Location

Bon Secours is located about an hour away from Washington at 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, Maryland 21104. For more information about their facilities, see their website.

Prioritize your own support and inner life

Six rooms are set aside for us: sign up soon to save your spot! (Refunds are not possible if you need to cancel, but you may transfer your spot to a friend.)