By Jude Coe
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
When I started my Professional Doctorate, I had never heard about writing retreats and was both nervous and excited that The University of Birmingham was able to offer an opportunity for me to participate in one.
Embarking on my first writing retreat at Chapelgarth, Yorkshire, was a wonderful experience that exceeded all my expectations. Nestled in the serene countryside, Chapelgarth provided the perfect backdrop for 3 days dedicated to creativity, reflection, and growth.
Setting the Scene
Chapelgarth is a beautiful house surrounded by lush grounds, offering a calm escape from the hustle and bustle of my normal busy life. The moment I arrived, I was caught up in the peace and tranquillity of the place. The house itself had cozy corners perfect for writing and expansive windows that let in an abundance of natural light.
The Purpose
I attended this retreat with a clear goal in mind: to begin writing a systematic review protocol about resilience in the performing arts. I was eager to dive deep into the research and writing process in such an inspiring environment. Additionally, I very much needed this time to work on my Professional Doctorate, and my supervisor was happy I was taking this step to focus on my work.
The Structured Schedule
The retreat was carefully organised, with a structured schedule that balanced focused writing time with activities to rejuvenate the mind and body. Each day was divided into several 60 or 90-minute writing blocks, allowing us to immerse ourselves in our work, without feeling overwhelmed or tired.
Daily Schedule:
- Morning walk or yoga: We started each day with a gentle walk or yoga session, which helped to set goals and prepare us for the day ahead.
- Writing Blocks: These were interspersed throughout the day, with each session lasting either 60 or 90 minutes. The focused time allowed me to make significant progress on my protocol.
- Walks: The beautiful grounds of Chapelgarth provided the perfect setting for reflective walks. These breaks were essential for clearing my mind and sparking new ideas. It allowed me time to stretch and move after sitting still for blocks of time. I particularly loved the forest arboretum, which was full of unusual and beautiful species of trees.
- Goal Setting: Each morning, we set our intentions and goals for the day. This practice kept me motivated, on track and clear what I wanted to achieve.
- Peer Reflection Time: Over meals and during walks, we gathered for peer reflection sessions. Sharing our progress and challenges with the other participants was incredibly valuable. The diverse backgrounds of the 10 other students added richness to our discussions. It inspired me to hear of other student journeys.
- Healthy Food: The retreat offered amazing, healthy meals and drinks. The food was not only delicious, but also thoughtfully prepared to support our well-being.
Challenges Faced
While the retreat was incredibly rewarding, it wasn’t without its challenges. One of the main difficulties I encountered was maintaining focus during the longer writing blocks. Despite the structured schedule, there were moments when my mind would wander, and I had to find ways to bring my attention back to the task at hand. Additionally, balancing the intense writing sessions with the need for relaxation and social interaction was sometimes tricky. However, the supportive environment and the variety of activities helped me navigate these challenges effectively and kept me motivated.
Keeping the Momentum Going
Returning to my normal routine after such an immersive experience was another challenge. To keep the momentum going, I implemented several strategies:
- Scheduled Writing Time: I carved out specific times in my weekly schedule for focused writing sessions, similar to the retreat’s structure.
- Regular Breaks: Incorporating regular breaks for walks or short exercises helped keep my mind fresh and creative.
- Peer Support: Staying in touch with the other retreat participants provided ongoing support and motivation.
- Healthy Habits: I continued to prioritise healthy eating and drinking and physical activity, which supported my overall well-being and productivity.
Reflections
Looking back, my time at Chapelgarth was exciting and transformative. It was more than just a writing retreat; it was a place where I learnt how to implement academic writing into my working week. I left with a solid foundation for my systematic review protocol and a renewed sense of purpose. The connections I made with the other participants continue to inspire me, and I look forward to organising another writing retreat. I would thoroughly recommend anyone on a Professional Doctorate journey to consider using this experience to help with their writing.
J.Coe@bham.ac.uk