For a morning, dwell in the quieter space of nature’s beauty and tranquility.

Writing in the close presence of nature is both an honored spiritual tradition and a literary one. The mystics understood nature to be the special preserve of the Divine; our poets have found in its endless reservoirs, music, surprise, entry into the sometimes hard-to-reach core of being. These wellsprings of wisdom will inform our morning, in silence, written word and Scripture.

• We will begin our day with contemplative time in Saint John’s House (181 Appleton Street). This will follow with a series of exercises in the garden. There will be ample time for private writing as well as for sharing.

• Please bring a notebook and pen/pencil (colored pencils, if you like). If the weather is cool, layer accordingly.

• We recommend parking on the street, on Claremont Avenue if possible.

• Fee: $50

  • You may pay on arrival or online.

  • If paying by check, please make the check out to Bethany House of Prayer.

  • If paying online or by check, please include “Plein Air” on the memo line.

Kathleen Hirsch directs the Contemplative Writing Group at Bethany House, and is a devoted writer in nature.