A half day writing and nature retreat. Live and online options.
Every season brings its own energy and power. With the ever-changing light come new gifts and challenges – of nature, weather, mood and life events. Seasonal Writes is a half day retreat that gives an opportunity to slow down, spend time in nature and use creative and reflective writing to deeply connect with yourself and the season’s energy. The live event takes place entirely outdoors in the beautiful landscape of Cornholme, Todmorden. The online event allows you to connect with the season and your sense of place from home. Formerly taking place eight times a year, the events now take place four times a year, one for each season.
NEXT EVENTS
Spring Writes
LIVE Sat 5 April 2025
1pm-4.30pm Pay As You Feel £25-£40 Click here to book.
ONLINE Tues 8 April 2025
1pm-4.30pm Pay As You Feel £20-£30 Click here to book.
Each retreat – live or online – includes time alone in nature, sharing in circle, time to write and seasonal nature ceremony. Throughout the retreat – live or online – you will be within a supportive circle of others, and guided by writer, medicine-walker and facilitator Emma Decent. Any form of writing may emerge – prose, poetry journalling – all forms welcome. No specific writing experience is necessary. We use The Four Shields as a model and guide. The Four Shields is an eco-psychological system that understands human nature as connected to the natural world – the seasons, the directions, the elements – all of which mirror aspects of human life. Moving through these shields is an ever-turning circle. Each retreat stands alone but you could book all four, making this a year-long commitment to yourself, to explore and re-balance in all four seasons and directions. (Booking all four also brings a bonus – free entry to one of Emma’s seasonal performances in the landscape The Circle Turns or a free Words in the Wild pamphlet of her poetry.)
Spring – East, birth/death, beginnings/endings, Spirit Summer – South, the Child, Body Autumn – West, the Adolescent, Psyche Winter – North, the Adult, Mind
Practicalities
LIVE EVENTS
This event takes place entirely outdoors in the beautiful landscape near Cornholme, Todmorden. There is no shelter or toilet facilities so wear suitable weather gear, bring an extra layer and be prepared to pee in the bushes! In the event of bad weather alternative arrangements will be made.
The meeting spot is a short walk uphill from nearest parking and transport links. Once arrived there is no need to walk far, there are comfortable sit spots on the earth, rocks and walls. However the event is not suitable for those with serious mobility difficulties or wheelchair users unfortunately.
Full details and directions are sent on booking.
ONLINE EVENTS
This event takes place online via Zoom. Each session includes plenty of time offline including time to write and a period of time outside, to experience directly the landscape and season wherever you are. Even in an urban environment there is medicine in simply being under the sky with your senses open. If you have mobility difficulties you can participate by finding an outdoor spot in which you can simply sit and be. Trees are great teachers at being still yet engaged and connected to all.
You will need to be able to use Zoom on a computer or smartphone plus have paper and pen or other writing materials at home. We can try Zoom beforehand if needed. All other materials including Zoom link are sent by email on booking.
Comments for Seasonal Writes LIVE
‘I gained a deep sense of peace; some new knowledge of my surroundings; time to slow down and respond to things with curiosity and thoughtfulness; a feeling of groundedness.’
‘I loved taking time to notice everything around us using all the senses. I was amazed how this made me want to write things down. Although we shared our words there was no pressure, just the pleasure of listening to others, and this made me want to go away and do more of it – writing for the joy of it.’
Comments for Seasonal Writes ONLINE
‘Beautifully held and paced.’
‘I found it most inspiring and beneficial. It has given me much more confidence in writing.’
‘I’ve participated in many online workshops… Emma is an inspiring, innovative and supportive facilitator.’
Upcoming Events
LIVE
Spring Writes Sat 5 April 2025 1pm-4.30pm
Summer Writes Sat 12 July 2025
Autumn Writes Sat 4 Oct 2025
Winter Writes Sat 10 Jan 2026
Each event Pay As You Feel £25-£40 Click here to book.
