REFLECTIVE | SPACIOUS | CREATIVE

Writing & Contemplative Experiences

 

Our creative lives and spiritual lives dance together.

Some may say they are one and the same. As such, it’s vital to human flourishing that we make space to deepen our creative practice as we remain alive and engaged in the world. These writing & contemplative experiences are designed to help you slow down, to reflect with intention, and to embrace the richness of mystery and creativity available to you in any given season.

The pace off modern life leaves little room for self-reflection, thoughtfulness and deep listening. Many of us are desperate for safe and creative environments to do our inner work.

I created these offerings because I know how important spiritual growth and self-reflection are for leading wholehearted, compassionate and integrated lives. If you’re longing for more spaciousness in your daily life, these writing and contemplative experiences are for you.

Through contemplative writing spaces, retreats and seasonal pauses for reflection, you will experience greater clarity and connection with your inner voice, others and the natural world around you.

 
 
 

Contemplative Writing Circle: TheWildness of Summer

Virtual - Zoom
Thursday, June 26th, 2025
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST

If you're in want of a space to hold nature poetry close, to reflect on our creatureliness on the Earth, and to center summer's widsom, join us for a session filled with reflection, inpsiriation and sharing. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this circle is a space to explore your thoughts and experiences of nature through writing. Connect with like-minded individuals, share your work, and receive feedback in a supportive environment. Let's come together to nurture our writing practice and cultivate a sense of community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to delve into the world of contemplative writing. Sign up now!

Tools you’ll need: a journal or paper, a writing utensil you love, something from your natural environment that evokes the wisdom of summer for you, and to be in a physical location that makes you feel settled and at home.

DATE: June 26th, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
COST: $25.00 USD
LOCATION: Zoom - Virtual

Slow down. Make room. Take your time.

One Day Writing Retreat at Cedar Wilde

Forsyth, GA
Friday, August 1st, 2025
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST

Writing in community is a transformative experience that will enrich both your creative and your spiritual life. For this reason, I’m thrilled to welcome a few soulful writers to the first ever writing retreat I’m holding at my home, Cedar Wilde, in Forsyth, GA.

The theme for this 1-day retreat is “childhood nature stories,” where we will be remembering together those special nature experiences of our youth and weaving together meaning, memory, magic, and place. We will slow down to contemplate the poetry and prose of nature writers who inspire us and we will hold plenty of space to craft poetry and prose of our own. We will also have time and space to share our written work in a safe and encouraging environment so that we can encounter the gift of refining our craft in community.

This retreat is for new writers, seasoned writers, and for those who struggle to call themselves “writer” at all. You simply need to love the world of words and be in want of a dedicated space and community to write.

There are only 5 spots for this in-person retreat. These spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis following a short application process and an interview. Morning beverages (coffee, tea, etc.), snacks, as well as breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Also, I have two relatively large dogs (Bear & Isla) and this is their home too, so please only apply if you feel safe and comfortable with two large, snuggly, and energetic dogs being in your midst.

A tentative agenda for the 1-day retreat is below:

8:00 AM breakfast, welcome & introductions
9:00 AM session one: grounding in the stories of others
10:30 AM session two: remembering the nature of our childhoods
12:00 PM lunch
1:00 PM session three: weaving stories of our own
2:30 PM session four: readings & group feedback
4:00 PM retreat closing

DATE: August 1st, 2025
TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
COST: $229.00
LOCATION: Bethaney’s Home, Cedar Wilde (Address to be shared after acceptance)

 

When we slow down enough,
we remember who we are.

Explore more resources on the blog, A More Beautiful Way

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions |

 

  • I’m an Orthodox Christian and my experience in this ancient and mystical faith is woven into all I do. However, these writing and creative experiences are not religiously themed and are open to people from all backgrounds, so long as your intention is to slow down, reflect, write, and relate to others with an eye towards respect and community building.

  • I charge a fee for these offerings to make facilitating sustainable for me as a business owner and practitioner. But if cost is ever prohibitive, and if you feel safe doing so, please email me to let me know at hello@bethaneywilkinson.com and we can explore options.

  • I’m so sorry you’ve had that experience. I’ve been there and it’s not easy. If your pain feels especially charged, 1:1 soul care coaching/spiritual direction may be a better fit than one of these group spaces. If it’s any consolation, know that these spaces are not instructive. My role is not to teach or preach, but rather to hold the space with curiousity and support so that you can do your own work. If you have more questions about this, please email me at hello@bethaneywilkinson.com.