Join poet, author and Zen teacher Brooke McNamara for a week of meditation, movement, creative writing and deep rest in the peaceful surroundings.
This retreat is an invitation to strengthen your attention, rekindle your imagination and rediscover your creative voice. Writing prompts, meditation and mindful movement create space for inspiration, clarity and authentic expression.
Each day begins with gentle movement and meditation in the light-filled glass house, followed by a two-hour writing workshop. The afternoons are free for relaxing in the spa, exploring the surrounding area or deepening your own creative work. In the late afternoon, the group gathers again for meditation, writing and shared reflection. The evenings offer time to enjoy, rest or continue working creatively.
Brooke’s work brings together the beauty of everyday life, deep listening and the practice of meditation. This creates a safe and supportive space where creativity, compassion and inner wisdom can grow.
Program
Sunday
3:00 PM Arrival & check-in
5:00-6:00 PM Welcome & orientation
Monday - Friday
7:15-8:00 AM Guided movement & yoga
8:00-9:00 AM Seated and walking meditation
9:00-10:00 AM Breakfast
10:00 AM-12:00 PM Awakening to the Poetic writing workshop
4:00-4:30 PM Seated meditation
4:30-6:00 PM Writing workshop & integration
Saturday
7:15-8:00 AM Guided movement & yoga
8:00-9:00 AM Seated and walking meditation
10:00 AM Check-out
10:30-11:30 AM Integration & closing circle
- all levels -
- meditation, writing, yoga -
Awakening to the Poetic Retreat with Brooke McNamara (english)
24. October 2027 - 30. October 2027
Brooke McNamara, MFA, is a poet, author and transmitted Zen teacher. She is the author of the poetry collections Bury the Seed and Feed Your Vow, with her forthcoming book The Taste of Wonder to be published by Shambhala Publications in 2027. Brooke received the Charles B. Palmer Prize from the Academy of American Poets and has taught at Naropa University and the University of Colorado Boulder. She is the founding teacher and president of Dragon Lake Zen, where she leads retreats and online courses dedicated to awakening wisdom, compassion, creativity and joyful presence.
How to get here
In addition to arriving by car, you can also conveniently reach us by train, and we’ll be happy to pick you up free of charge from the Lana-Burgstall station.
If you’re flying, there are several direct flights to Bolzano. We’re happy to arrange transfers from Bolzano Airport for an additional fee.
- 6 nights at Hotel Schwarzschmied
- Breakfast at "La Fucina" restaurant
- Lunch or Dinner at our slow food restaurants "La Fucina" or Bistro "Luce" (for an extra charge)
- Yoga equipment (yoga mat, pillow, yoga blocks) provided free of charge
- Grander water in the entire house
- Mobilcard for usage of public transport