What: The Embodied Writing Method Retreat Weekend

When: Friday, May 8 - Sunday, May 10, 2026 (Mother’s Day and my 63rd birthday!)

Where: Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

Sign up here: https://kripalu.org/experiences/embodied-writing-method-retreat-weekend

Join me for my second writing workshop at the world-renowned retreat center Kripalu, in Lennox, Massachusetts. I’ve designed a truly unique program that brings together several modalities that have taken the writing practice to the next level. Through the use of Vedic meditation, craft tools to pacify your dosha, and setting up a writing space using Vastu Shashtra, we’ll employ dosha-specific Ayurvedic practices and allow the method to help you establish a clear and easy routine designed to encourage and support you, based on your individual Ayurvedic dosha. 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! Absolutely no experience is necessary 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 get to the next level, if you desire.

Meditation, writing to prompts, and sharing our work with the group (always optional) allow us to dig deep into the crevices 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, giving permission to be vulnerable, while crafting 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.

Use this link to register for the workshop: https://kripalu.org/experiences/embodied-writing-method-retreat-weekend

What to Expect at Kripalu

When you go to the Kripalu website you will register for the class (https://susanweisbohlen.com/services) and choose your accommodations. The Annex is a separate building but is attached by a passage and an elevator. The main building, which was a Jesuit monastery, is where all the action takes place. So take a minute to decide if you want a single room with a private bath, a shared bath, shared room or dorm. Lots of choices!

The food is delicious, and your meals are included (dinner Friday night, three meals on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday). There is always a vegetarian and meat main dish offered (usually chicken or fish). I love the Ayurvedic Food Bar - it’s tucked into a the left corner of the dining room where you will find simple yummy food, like kitchari, miso soup, and steamed veggies. To the far right in the back corner you’ll find the sandwich bar for more conventional choices. Peanut butter and jelly, good bread and butter are always avaiable. Believe me, you won’t starve! The extra food container, like Tupperware or a Pyrex dish with a lid, can be used to take food home with you after the final lunch. I have a five hour drive on Sunday, so I always make a to-go meal.

Use your container if you’d like a snack in between meals. Grab a muffin or a cookie for later. Bring your own water container and coffee/tea travel mug so you can fill up.

Here is our schedule for May 8-10:

Friday:

2:00 pm Check-in begins

4:45–6:00 Kripalu Yoga class

5:30–7:30; Dinner

7:30–8:30 Our Opening Session

Saturday:

6:30 am–7:45 am Kripalu Yoga class

7:30–9:00 Silent Breakfast

9:00–11:30 Program Session

11:30–1:30 pm Lunch

1:30–4:00 Program Session

4:45–6:00 Kripalu Yoga class

5:30–7:30 Dinner

7:30–8:30 Program Session

Sunday;

6:30–7:45 am Kripalu Yoga class

7:30–9:00 Silent Breakfast

9:00–11:00 Final Program Session

11:30–1:30 pm Lunch and Departure

Extra Extra!

Your stay at Kripalu includes some amazing perks like daily yoga, hikes and water activities. Look closely at the website to create your schedule. Additionally you can sign up for nourishing, restorative treatments, massages and Ayurvedic body work at an additional cost.

Take time to visit the fourth floor of the main building where you will find a hidden retreat space. It’s like a sunroom with the most comfy furniture for lounging, reading, writing and resting. With a view of the lake and the natural warmth of the sun pouring through the windows, this hidden gem is peaceful and beckons you to sink in.

The Quiet Places: https://kripalu.org/visit/planning-your-visit/kripalu-unplugged

The Sunroom and other amazing places: https://kripalu.org/visit/on-campus-experience

The Kripalu Shop is GORGEOUS! Reminds me of my beautiful bookstore, Breathe Books, if I do say so myself. Books, incense, jewelry, clothes, hats, music and more — you must take time to visit. All of my books will be in stock and we’ll have a book signing there as well.