What Does a Typical Day Look Like on a Writing and Meditation Retreat?

One of the questions I'm asked most often is: what does a typical day on one of your writing and meditation retreats actually look like?

The rhythm of the retreat has evolved over years of writing myself, alongside watching hundreds of writers discover what helps them do their best work.

I've realised that I can only sustain around three hours of deep creative work before I need to step away. Rather than trying to squeeze in more words, I wanted to create a retreat where those precious hours of writing are fully supported.

That means beginning each day with meditation before moving into uninterrupted writing time. It means delicious shared meals, meaningful conversation, time in nature, moments of silence, and space to rest. It also means a full digital detox, so the entire retreat takes place in a phone-free environment.

From 9pm each evening until midday the following day, the retreat is held in silence. In my experience, protecting the morning in this way helps us settle more deeply into ourselves and into our creative work. Without the usual demands of conversation, notifications and constant stimulation, many writers find they're able to access a different quality of attention on the page.

A Typical Daily Schedule

If you're someone who likes to know exactly what to expect, here's the rhythm of a typical day on the retreat.

7:30am – Mindful morning practice
8:30am – Breakfast
9:30am – Independent writing time
12:00pm – Retreat circle
1:00pm – Lunch
2:00pm – Personal time (with optional cold water swimming, sauna and hot tub)
5:00pm – Group writing workshop
6:30pm – Dinner
8:00pm – Evening gathering
9:00pm – Silence begins until midday the following day

The mornings are dedicated to deep creative work. The afternoons provide space to rest, walk, swim, read, journal, or simply do nothing at all before we gather again for an afternoon workshop and evening practice.

Writing retreats aren't about writing all day. They're about creating the conditions in which good writing can emerge.

Whether you're working on a memoir, novel, poetry collection or simply trying to reconnect with your creativity, the retreat offers time, structure, community and the quiet needed to hear your own voice again.

There are now just a handful of places remaining on the 20 to 25 September Writing and Meditation Retreat. If you're hoping to join us, I'd love to welcome you.