Writing Into the Desert

April 13 - 17, 2025

Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico

Deepen into mindfulness, through writing workshops, craft talks, yoga, meditation, &hiking all while immersed in heart-centric community.

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Why have artists, visionaries and seekers always gone into the desert? What landscape is more intense? The desert’s combination of austerity and vitality seems to lead us toward the essential, opening doors into the inner life. In this intensive group, in one of the world’s most compelling landscapes, we’ll work together to begin and develop new poems. Expect challenge, support and good company. We’ll make use of writing exercises, talks, observation, walks and hikes, and yoga and movement work to help further open doors toward the poems that are yours to write.

Our retreat group will stay at Casa Del Sol, a remote, private lodging space, located two miles from the Ghost Ranch main campus in the landscape where Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted. (Her house is down the road!) Casa del Sol is a single story adobe home built in the mid-1930s with bedrooms that open up to a shared courtyard. The communal living room is anchored by a large picture window overlooking Cerro Pedernal. The home and the three hermitages, are set at the base of a multi-colored 700-foot tall cliff wall.

Starting at $1,450

RETREAT INCLUDES

Accommodations

• 4 nights (Sunday-Thursday) at Ghost Ranch

3x Daily Meals

• Breakfast: Self-serve “make your own” with pantry provisions provided (eggs, yogurt, granola, & fruit, etc.)

• Lunch & Dinner: at the Ghost Ranch cafeteria 

• Tea + coffee, and light snacks are available throughout the day3x Daily Meals

Daily Programming

• Writing Workshops: Daily sessions led by Mark to spark your poetic process

• Movement & Meditation: Optional early morning movement & meditation sessions to start your day

• Gentle Yoga/Mindful Movement: Two afternoon classes with Emily, designed to awaken awareness & support the writing process (all props available on site)

• Hike: Guided hike up Chimney Rock (separate gentle walk option will be available)

• Evening Offerings: Poetry-centered activities such as craft talks and readings by Mark & Emily

What’s Not Included

• Flights: Airfare is not included

• Transportation to and from Ghost Ranch: Travel to and from the retreat is the responsibility of participants (please see Notes section below for more details)

• Add-ons: Optional supplemental sessions at Ghost Ranch, such as tours or horseback riding

Retreat Details

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Accommodations and Pricing

As a result of continued interest in the retreat, we’ve opened 4 additional spots on the Ghost Ranch main campus. If you’d like to book this way, the retreat flat fee is due at booking. Separately, you'll be responsible for booking your own accommodations directly with Ghost Ranch.

Option: Main Campus Housing (separate from Casa Del Sol), $650 per person (this does NOT include lodging or transportation):

• Spot 1 no longer available

• Spot 2 no longer available

• Spot 3 no longer available

• Spot 4

Option 1: Single Room with Private Bath, $1850 per person, SOLD OUT

• single room with queen bed and private bathroom

• Rooms Available:

• Hermitage A no longer available

• Bedroom 6no longer available

Option 2: Single Room with Shared Bath, $1750 per person SOLD OUT

• single room with communal bathroom 

• Rooms Available:

• Bed 1 no longer available

• Bed 2 no longer available

• Bedroom 4 no longer available

Option 3: Double Room with Private Bath, $1,650 per person SOLD OUT

• double occupancy with private bathroom

• Rooms Available:

  • Bedroom 5, Queen Bed no longer available

  • Bedroom 5, Twin Bed no longer available

Option 4: Double Room with Shared Bath, $1,575 per person SOLD OUT

• double occupancy with communal bathroom

• Rooms Available:

  • Bedroom 7, Twin Bed no longer available

  • Bedroom 7, Twin Bed no longer available

Option 5: Triple Room with Shared Bath, $1,450 per person SOLD OUT

• triple occupancy with communal bathroom

• Rooms Available:

  • Bedroom 3, Twin Bed no longer available

  • Bedroom 3, Twin Bed no longer available

  • Bedroom 3, Lofted Bed ($1,375) no longer available

• Getting There

  Flying In:

  • Fly into Santa Fe (SAF) or Albuquerque (ABQ). 

    • Santa Fe is about a 75 min drive from the ranch, 

    • Albuquerque is closer to 2 hours.

  Transportation Options:

  • Car Rentals: Both airports offer car rental services. 

  • Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available at both airports.  

  • A car is necessary to get to and from Casa Del Sol to the main ranch for activities like meals, yoga, and hiking, so it is recommended you either rent a car or share a car rental with retreat peers. Emily can connect folks interested in sharing a rental. 

  • We will have a handful of first come/first served spots in a car to and from the ranch —please inquire about this upon booking to see if there is availability.

  Arrival and Departure Times:

  • Check-in: 3:00pm on Sunday, April 13th

  • Retreat Begins: 4:30pm on Sunday

  • Check out: 10:00am on Thursday, April 17th, post-retreat closing circle

• What to Bring

  Ghost Ranch is located in Northern New Mexico, which is an arid steppe climate—temperatures will range from mid 60’s during the day into mid 30’s when the sun goes down—bring layers!

  • If you will be hiking, bring appropriate hiking shoes and outerwear

  • Comfortable clothing for movement classes

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

  • Laptop, journal, and pens for writing workshops

  • We encourage you to pack casual, comfortable clothing to drop into easefulness; no need to be fancy!

  • An open heart and spirit!

• Next Steps for Booking and Payment

  • Contact: If you have questions or are ready to book, email Emily: echyland@gmail.com

  • Deposit: A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.

  • Balance Due: Remaining balance is due by January 31st, 2025.