Writing & Meditation
WRITING AND MEDITATION
Sit, Write, Walk - A Journey of Self Discovery

21st - 25th February 2022
4th - 10th April 2022
 
‘Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.’ – Rumi


A holistic mindful experience, using the two key practices of writing and meditation to tap into the well of creativity and peacefulness that lives within you.


'That's Samm's style as teacher and facilitator: always accommodating, generous of spirit, patient, actively listening. This was seven days free from external judgements, distractions and criticism, allowing Samm to gently work on the barriers really holding us back: the self-judgement, the distractions of the mind, the inner critics. Riverheart won't teach you how to conquer your inner demons exactly. It's more about Samm guiding you to a stage where you're ready to turn and face the demon, give them friendly nickname, and finally listen to the tale they've been longing to tell you, until their monstrous form starts to shift, shrinking down to the size of a small cat that curls up by your side and naps while you at long last write in peace.' - Kevin Handy, 2021 Retreat Guest

Inspired by Natalie Goldberg’s legendary True Secret retreats, you’ll be guided through a series of meditation and writing workshops, releasing any old barriers to living, or writing, fully. There is no need to have ever written anything beforehand; the focus here is on the practice of moving the hand across the page, not the creation of a story or poem - although that may be what comes out.

This experimental and beautiful retreat uses ideas drawn from the rivers surrounding you on your retreat, to help you discover your true source, course and mouth – your origin, path and expression to the world around you.

To aid this process of discovery we’ll work with periods of silence to store your creative energy and learn how to nurture your inner voice.

The writer’s studio is set in 2 acres of luscious garden, with a river running through. Meditation spaces are dotted through the garden and with hammocks, swinging chairs, poolside tables and plenty of shady trees we’ll take the craft of writing back out into the wild.

Your writing and meditation tutor is a published author, editor and experienced mentor with a passion for supporting other writers to develop their confidence and practice. Over this retreat she’ll help you break through old blockages, taking home a wealth of new ideas and practices to work with. 

You can read more about your tutor Samm here.

On this retreat you can expect a deep and profund journey of transformation, as we peel back the layers of the conscious, restrictive mind and start to dive deep into the waters of the subconscious. Alongside the intensive practice of sitting and walking meditation, we work with shamanic journeying, breathwork techniques and daily yoga to support each student to practice continuous mindfulness and develop the practices of compassion, acceptance, and awareness. The teachings are grounded in Buddhist and Yogic philosophy; creating a safe and nurturing space where each student feels fully held, seen and cared for is something we centre our work on.

For 2022, the five-day retreat will be held at a partner venue up in the mountains of Tolox, and the 7-day retreat will be held in the gardens of Riverheart.

Guests are welcome to arrive from 2pm onwards on Day 1 and make use of the swimming pool and luscious gardens, before we first come together as a group for our evening sessions - a welcome circle, group meditation and a sumptuous supper.

The retreat finishes after our morning session and breakfast on the last day, allowing guests plenty of time to travel back home – refreshed, smiling and with a new love of writing, and of life itself.

Food is vegetarian and sugar-free with vegan options for each meal, cooked with love and using only organic and locally produced ingredients wherever possible. Tea, herbal infusions, fresh coffee and organic wines and beers are all self-service and are included in the cost of the retreat. Allergies and intolerances can be catered for – please inform us in advance so we can best prepare to care for your needs.

'It's the real work that will hook you, work that you will do yourself and for yourself. If you are – like me - ready to look yourself in the eye, find out who you really are and what's in you, Samm and Mike are your guides. You can absolutely trust them. They will provide you with a structure you can lean on. They will share with you precious tools they have picked up all over the world. They will hold you when you stumble, and they will push you (most gently) so that you can find your own footing and trust therein. Samm, Mike and their beautiful children, Alba and Jesse, are the secret of this place. They are the heart that beats magic on this Coín river spot – for me, for you, for anyone who seeks support and guidance. You have already found them, now go and meet them. You will be humbled, you will be charmed, you will laugh, and you might cry, but above all - you will learn an awful lot. About life, including your own.' - Ester Fleischer, 2021 Retreat Guest   

‘It’s like learning to ride a bike; at first we’re banging our knees and scraping our shins, learning how to use these tools – sometimes a bit awkwardly at first – but in a week’s time we find they’ve crept their way into our writing without us even knowing it, and we’re better writers for it.’ - David Waters

'Much love and thanks for holding a beautiful and safe space - allowing a journey through the layers of self to a core intimacy. A precious gift.' - Natalie Prior

'Fabulous meditation with wonderful food and people. Exceeded expectations and never experienced anything quite like it. Location is also idyllic. ...highly recommend.' - Clare Kirkman

A typical day looks like this:

08:00 - 08:45 Journaling
08:45 - 10:15 Yoga
10:15 - 11:15 Brunch
11:30 - 14:30 Meditation - Sit, Write, Walk, Read
14:30 - 16:00 Free time - swim, have a massage, develop your writing.
16:00 - 18:00 Writer’s workshop & afternoon snack
18:00 - 19:00 Free time to develop your writing, swim, enjoy a massage, or lounge in a hammock and read
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
20:00 - 21:00 Evening session and this may be a dreamy yoga nidra, a fire clearing ritual, a cacao ceremony, or an evening of music around the fire
21:00 Journaling and private time

Prices start from 450 EUR for the 5 day retreat, or 850 EUR for the 7 day retreat, and include all food, accommodation and workshops - guests are only required to purchase their flights and travel insurance in addition.

Contact Samm for more information or to book your place - samantha@riverheartretreats.com / +34 671465611

On some retreats we have Karma Yoga places available for guests wanting to offer a few hours of their time each day in return for a reduced fee. Roles typically include social media and blog writing, but please enquire for full details of what’s available.
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