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Embodied Writing Retreat at Kripalu: Ayurveda for Writing and Creativity


  • Kripalu Center for yoga & Health 57 Interlaken Road West Stockbridge, MA, 01266 United States (map)

Join me for my third writing workshop at the world-renowned retreat center Kripalu, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This truly unique program brings several modalities together that have taken my writing practice to the next level and now I am sharing that with you. Vedic meditation practices, specific writing exercises to pacify your dosha, Vastu Shashtra (Vedic Feng Shui) for your writing space, and even the food you eat, and time of day you write, all are connected to your Ayurvedic Dosha. We’ll explore specific Ayurvedic practices that allow the writing method to help you in establishing a clear and easy routine designed to encourage and support you. There is no one process that works for all — let’s find what works best for you.

As I look back on the books I’ve written, I can see how my years of meditation and Ayurveda shaped every part of the process: inception, planning, writing, editing, promotion. The creative part of my brain was activated through my dinacharya (daily routine), allowing me to work under pressure and be innovative and productive without losing sight of the goal.

Now I’m bringing this to you! No experience is required for this weekend. Let me guide you and help unlock your creativity to see where it leads!

The Embodied Writing Method is enhanced by aromatherapy, mindful movement, guided meditation, time in nature and breath work to ignite your imagination, quiet the inner critic, and open the channels to allow the prana to flow. And of course, we write, share and offer feedback that is positive, encouraging and supportive. Craft tools will be discussed to help you create a more robust writing practice.

Meditation, writing to prompts, and sharing our work with the group (always optional) help us dig deep into the recesses of our minds, where words have been waiting to be expressed. The art of listening is paramount and only positive, supportive feedback is offered. This practice allows for freedom of expression on your creative journey. You will be gently guided into each practice, including deep listening to yourself and others.

You will receive a Dosha quiz before the class, to discover your mind-body constitution. Our attributes can enhance and impede the writing process. Vata distraction, pitta perfectionism and Kaphic inertia can be turned around using the tools offered in this workshop. Additionally, we’ll talk about seasonal eating practices that will feed your mind, body, and soul.

The Method creates space for you to fully express yourself and gives permission to be vulnerable as you craft your personal story.

Through writing, we express ourselves on the page without judgment, criticism or censorship.

You will discover:

·       How to turn sensations, images and feelings into words on the page, clearly reflecting your thoughts and intentions.

·       The act of listening as an act of kindness, support and encouragement.

·       Remedies to balance your dosha, allowing prana and creativity to flow with ease.

You will leave the weekend with:

·       Renewed (or new!) sense of belief in your inner wisdom.

·       A robust writing plan for creativity and dosha balancing.

·    Seasonal self-care prompts, techniques, and apothecary recommendations.

Testimonial from past class: This weekend’s creative writing workshop with Susan Weis-Bohlen was a unique and restorative experience.  Susan blended Ayurvedic principles with creative writing prompts to create an environment that encouraged writing flow and helped me connect with my writing voice.  The class was open and nurturing and I felt safe about sharing my writing.  For the first time in a long while, I felt free enough to think clearly and let the words come onto the page without distraction.  

Susan is deeply knowledgeable about the craft of creative writing and highly seasoned in Ayurvedic practice.  She was motivational and empathetic and I left the workshop feeling as though I had received a  jump-start.  I am inspired to continue exploring my voice and continuing with my writing efforts! TG, 2026