Heart, Write, Soul: Santa Fe, New Mexico - 2027
Writing + Freedom + Witnessing = Liberation in Sacred Santa Fe, New Mexico
Join John Roedel and Michelle Francois-Walsh April 14-17, 2027, in the magical heart of Santa Fe for a four-day gathering of open hearts, curious minds, and willing souls.
Each morning, Wednesday-Saturday at 9:15 am, we will gather at 1004 Camino San Acacio, Santa Fe, NM. This Writing Casita will be a welcoming communal space for shared writing, reflection, and conversation. John and Michelle will offer poetry, prose and music to warm the waters, as we allow ourselves to become 'free flow' writers, laying it down on the page. Light noshes will be served each morning, including fruit and/or pastries as well as coffee and tea.
Each afternoon, Wednesday-Friday, from 12 - 12:45 PM we will break for a delicious catered lunch. We will end our time at the casita from 1-2 PM by engaging in one final writing invitation. Our hope is to offer 3 free flow writes each day. However, if you are feeling the need to rest, restore, or simply explore solo - you do you! This retreat is designed with invitations - take what you need, and leave the rest.
After our scheduled writing time at the Casita, feel free to embark in an optional "Self-Paced Guided Scavenger Hunt" - venture out exploring Santa Fe’s beauty ~ visit historic churches, vibrant galleries, inspiring museums, and sacred sites. These excursions will serve as sparks for your writing, offering new textures, colors, and stories for your pages. John and Michelle will provide contemplative writing prompts for you to accompany your adventure.
Optional Afternoon Scavenger Hunt Writing Locations:
New Mexico Museum of Art: A breathtaking space where contemporary indigenous speaks to the soul of any storyteller.
Cathedral Park: Amble down the leafy walk amid vendors selling local goods on the cool green grass. Or enjoy some solitude.
Cross of the Martyrs: The Cross of the Martyrs commemorates the twenty-one Franciscan friars and approximately 380 Spanish colonists killed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint. Francis of Assisi: A one of a kind church that wraps up anyone with a blanket of holiness the moment you walk in.
Canyon Road - Visit a street dedicated to the country’s finest art. So many incredible artists are featured here.
Museum Hill - Talk about one stop shopping! Museum Hill offers 5 special points of interest all within stone's throw of each other. Choose from: Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Museum, Wheelright Museum of the American Indian or the Santa Fe Botanical Garden!
Friday in the PM we will embark upon a GROUP SPECIAL EXPERIENCE - TBD. This will be a 2-4 hour cultural and FUN experience - John and Michelle will share these details closer to our time together.
Saturday evening from 6:30 - 8:30 pm we will conclude our time together at the Writing Casita with dinner and an optional OPEN MIC. Partners are WELCOME!
Woven into our time together, you will also receive guidance from John and Michelle on how they use words to navigate the inner landscape—techniques and approaches that anyone can use, whether or not you consider yourself a “writer.” Heart Write Soul isn’t about perfect grammar or polished performances. It’s not a critique group or a stage. Rather, a guided, personal journey~an invitation to pick up the pen as a compass and see where it leads you.
Come as you are. Bring your notebook, your favorite pen, and your whole self. Leave with pages full of discoveries~and perhaps a few new lifelong friends.
Please Note: this event will be limited to 14
Need a payment plan? Reach out to Michelle at myvillagewell@gmail.com
Cancellations & Refunds:Regardless of the reason, cancellations for our retreat are non-refundable. We encourage you to consider the use of trip insurance to safeguard against unexpected situations that would cause you to cancel your retreat registration.
Please reach out with any questions to Michelle at myvillagewell@gmail.com
Registration available via Venmo @Michelle-Walsh-72 (avoid added ticket fees)
Good to know
Highlights
- 3 days 11 hours
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
1004 Camino San Acacio
1004 Camino San Acacio
Santa Fe, NM 87505
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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Circle the Wagons
Our door is OPEN! Grab some light noshes and a cup of coffee or tea. Settle in and get comfy.
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Morning Heart Write Session
We will light our candle and begin with a blessing, followed by a quick check in. John and Michelle will alternate sharing poetry, prose, and music. We will read each piece twice and offer jump off lines for inspiration. Then we will write, pen to page, for anywhere from 8-15 minutes. Next, we each practice being bravely bold by sharing our writing. We witness without feedback - offering non-verbal thanks.
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Lunch at the Casita
Let's fill our bellies and recharge with a catered lunch at the Casita.