Wild Heart Writing Retreat
with Mirabai Starr
Offer the lead of your story to the flames of creativity.
Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Feb 4 - Feb 9, 2025
You are invited to the serene tropical paradise of magical Mexico for the Wild Heart Writing Retreat
Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Feb 4 - 9, 2024
Our writing retreats have bloomed into a truly transformative experience, weaving abundant writing sessions with guided movement, chanting, exquisite food, intimacy with the natural world, and connection to local culture.
"Go! It will open your heart, heal your body, help you know yourself and give you hope for the new world that is emerging."
-Erin A., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
Find the freedom to speak your deepest truths
Join us for an intimate gathering in magical Mexico with six days of writing, practice, time in nature, delicious food and community connection.
We will visit a spectacular but little-known Mayan archeological site where we will write at the pyramids, followed by a traditional lunch served by our indigenous friends in a small village nearby. It promises to be a highlight of our time together.
And as long as you’re coming all that way, we encourage you to build in extra days to explore some of the many special places in the Yucatan Peninsula or neighboring Belize. Beaches and bird sanctuaries! Mayan ruins and museums! Artisans and healers!
"“It was a beautifully woven tapestry of loving support, inspiration, guidance and nurturing to open our hearts and let the words flow."
-Kathia L., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
Are you longing for creative tender space to write your story?
Would you like to generate a large quantity of writing over a short period?
Does the company of other people writing their story feel like refuge?
Is your wild heart ready to be revealed and witnessed?
Do you feel drawn to the magic of Mexico?
"Writing as a spiritual practice honors our stories as holy and mysterious; sometimes beautiful, sometimes terrible. It is in the telling that they open us to a vast new inner landscape."
-Mirabai Starr
What to expect during the retreat...
Join us for six days of guided writing exercises, deep dialog, and practice in a serene atmosphere.
Most of our activities will take place in a soaring, open-air palapa on the shore of the sacred Caribbean lagoon, surrounded by birdsong and tropical flowers, served by a world-class restaurant specializing in regional cuisine. Halfway through our time together, we will visit a nearby archaeological site, Chacchoben, where our friend Alma will guide us, introducing us to the prehistory, sacred architecture, and healing plants of the zone, followed by a traditional meal outdoors in Alma’s village, cooked by her family on a comal over an open fire. Magic upon magic!
Writing
Each day we will dive into guided writing exercises and deep dialog with teachings from Mirabai about writing as a spiritual practice.
Dialogue
You will be able to share your work in small circles of soul companions and bear witness to the sacred creation of others.
Community
Take refuge in the company of other people experiencing loss and on a path of radical transformation.
Movement
Each morning we will practice Body Temple yoga and dance with Adriana, accessible to all bodies and abilities, as a way to set our bodies free and allow our creativity to move through us.
Chanting
Steep in sacred song with guided chants from Willow. These will weave naturally into our practice of expression with an invitation to inhabit your beautiful voice as a prayer, exactly as it is.
Meditation
Grant access to your inner landscape with contemplative and embodied meditation practices.
A Pyramid Writing Excursion
Experience a captivating day at the pyramids, guided by a local expert, with a delightful lunch and a unique opportunity to engage in inspired writing amidst the ancient wonders.
"YES! Go-get there however you can! You will be held in love, nourished in community & supported in (re)connecting to your heart’s song."
-Alexandra R., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
"Be ready to be nourished in body, mind and spirit and to connect to your deeper desire to express yourself and be seen."
-Kathia L., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
"The salon was holy space–so much holy space throughout the time together actually!"
-Heather N., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
"Go, Girl, Go! And men too!"
-Dave C., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
Ready to astonish yourself and nourish the world with your words?
We welcome you to six days of connection as Mirabai shares teachings on writing as a spiritual practice and offers a series of guided exercises to help you access your authentic voice and tell the truths you may not have even realized have ripened inside you. You will be able to share your work in small circles of soul companions and bear witness to the beauty and bravery of others who are navigating the terrain of the wild heart.
“To be in such an open-hearted community with no feelings of competition or hierarchy was life-changing. It was a safe space where all anxiety melted away like ice in the hot sun!”
-Jackie Kelly, Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
“Don’t miss this opportunity to have your heart set on fire, your joy elevated, and your essence to be truly seen and heard.”
-Deb B., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
“If you want to write about your spiritual journey–letting go and following your soul, this is the retreat for you.”
–Anna Christine, Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
Meet Mirabai
Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author of creative non-fiction and contemporary translations of sacred literature. She taught Philosophy and World Religions at the University of New Mexico-Taos for 20 years and now teaches and speaks internationally on contemplative practice and inter-spiritual dialog. A certified bereavement counselor, Mirabai helps mourners harness the transformational power of loss. Her latest book, WILD MERCY: Living the Fierce & Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, was named one of the “Best Books of 2019”. She lives with her extended family in the mountains of northern New Mexico.
"It’s the perfect place to feel safe enough to write vulnerably."
-Caroline, Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
Our Retreat Team
(pictured left to right - Monika Denise Burkholder, Kat Mills, Adriana Rizzolo, Mirabai Starr, Willow Brook, and Rosa Santoyo)
Body Temple Movement with Adriana Rizzolo
Adriana will share her Body Temple Dance practices to help us integrate and celebrate. She will hold space for somatic healing, body tending and awakening our creativity. She has experience working with transforming trauma into purpose and has a strong space for both deep rest as well as energy activation. Through mantra, breath, movement and exploring the imagination, together we will deepen in soul love while embodying our humanness more fully. Adriana guides others in taking their role as leaders in the feminine healing arts, in which Mirabai has been a massive inspiration and teacher.
“Body Temple! Broke me open.”
-Pat F., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
"Let’s get more guys to the dance floor so they can help their women change the world."
-Dave C., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
“I really loved the soft approach. Body Temple was so awesome-did a good job easing us into our bodies. Same with the community aspect! Never felt forced.”
-Kaitlin., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
Sacred Song with Willow Brook
Willow will weave chanting and song from a multitude of sacred traditions into our retreat, offering a space of profound beauty. An earth loving educator, seeker, artist and friend on fire for love, truth and embodied liberation, Willow is the co-founder of Wild Heart and has led retreats with Mirabai since 2021. With a lifetime of experience on an interspiritual path and a decade of experience teaching in classrooms across the world, Willow brings devotional song and prayer into everything she does.
“There were a lot of layers cornering what I was hoping to write and there was never a push to get anywhere. Offers of song, dance, tea, rest, writing, community allowed the story to emerge when it was ready, when it felt safe.”
–Anne Woods, Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
“Since October 7, I thought I lost the voice of G-d. Through the Wild Heart Retreat, it has been restored. Extraordinary experience.”
-A Grateful Participant, Wild Heart Writing Retreat
“It’s going to crack you open to a new way of being! Also boys, don’t be shy, this work is needed and goes beyond gender. Take a walk on the wild (heart) side.”
-Manny F., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
Access your authentic voice
"I feel softened, and I am ready to receive at a whole new level. I feel more alive in a different way."
-Heidi R., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
"What has been significant for me in sharing this time with people is not only the information about the process of writing as a means of spiritual transformation, but also the beautiful people who come here to share their hearts."
- Tom C., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
"Writing without knowing what might lie ahead is positively stunning. To see what shows up each time, that in and of itself is life changing."
- Leslie C., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
"The Wild Heart team has done an amazing job of creating a unique bouquet of experiences that helped me open up my heart."
- Manny F., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
Emerge with a revitalized connection to the core of your experience, and a fearless voice to tell about it.
By the end of our retreat, together we will have...
Created a body of writing you can shape into a finished piece
Generated a list of evocative prompts to be able to continue writing
Forged bonds of community connection
Laid down the burden of concealing and containing your real feelings
Learned songs, chants, meditations and body practices to integrate your life experience
Join Us
"The retreat cracked me open to a deeper level of writing, one that reconnected me with the written word. It’s like it unblocked all of these things that were getting in the way of my voice through a beautifully diverse set of practices."
-Manny F., Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
Where we will be...
Our Wild Heart Writing Retreat will be at the beautiful Rancho Encantado in Bacalar, Mexico. This is the eco-lodge Mirabai's family built in the jungle on the shores of the sacred Laguna Bacalar over 40 years ago and then sold around 15 years ago to a wonderful family who has grown it into a magical resort and retreat center, still deeply attuned to the land and people of this tropical lagoon, known as the “Lake of the Seven Blues.”
Earlybird Rate ends September 23
Write your Story of Transformation with Mirabai
Shared Double Bedroom Earlybird
$4,000
Private Queen Bedroom Earlybird
$4,750
Private King Bedroom Earlybird
$4,900
We look forward to welcoming you to the Wild Heart Writing Retreat!
Wild Heart acknowledges the systemic financial barriers of our society. Lower rates and limited financial support is available for people who experience marginalization.
The application for financial support can be found here.
Questions?
How do I travel to Mexico?
Getting there is half the fun. To arrive at the beautiful refuge of Rancho Encantado, you have a few options.
We recommend booking your flights into Chetumal airport. Most flights into Chetumal fly through Mexico City and Chetumal is about an hour taxi ride from Bacalar. Rancho Encantado can arrange a taxi from the airport to your accommodation.
The other option would be to fly into Cancun and arrange for transportation for the 4 hour drive. You could rent a car or there is a bus from Cancun to Bacalar. You might be able to arrange with other participants to book a shuttle from Cancun to Bacalar.
There is a new airport in Tulum which could be possible although we have not yet done it ourselves.
A friendly reminder: Participants are responsible for paying for transportation services to Rancho Encantado (see below for additional expenses).
What kind of food will we eat?
There is a gourmet restaurant at Rancho Encantado called Los Hechizos that consists of delicious regional cuisine prepared by a renowned chef. Vegetarian and pescetarian options will be available and all meals (breakfast, a 2 course lunch and 3 course dinner) are included in your retreat registration.
What currency is used in Mexico? Do I need cash?
The currency of Mexico is the peso. $1 in the United States is about 20 pesos. We suggest visiting the ATM at the airport to withdraw some cash for your time in Mexico. Some places in Mexico prefer cash and you might find it handy to have some extra cash for the journey.
Yes, please plan to bring cash for the additional expenses in the next question.
Are there additional expenses I need to plan for?
Yes, please plan for the following additional expenses:
-Tips for hotel and restaurant staff: $350-$400
-Tips for our tour guide: $20-$40
-Transportation to/from Rancho Encantado
-Travel insurance
The registration cost includes:
-Three specialty meals per day
-Accommodation at the beautiful Rancho Encantado
-A day excursion to the pyramids with a local guide
-Retreat tuition
Will there be Wi-Fi or internet access? What is your policy around technology use during the retreat?
Rancho Encantado will have wifi access, but please consider this retreat to be a refuge from the tyranny of tasks. Plan to keep electronic communications to a minimum.
How will I communicate? Will my cell phone work in Mexico?
If you live in the US and have the phone carrier Verizon, your phone plan should work in Mexico at no extra charge, how simple! For all others, the app “Whatsapp” uses wifi to make phone calls and is a wonderful way to stay in touch with your friends and family back home.
Do I need travel insurance?
To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone attending our international retreat, we are requiring all participants to purchase travel insurance.
This insurance should cover potential losses sustained due to trip cancellations, medical emergencies, accidents, or illnesses.
We recommend using a reputable provider like "Insure My Trip," though you are free to choose any insurance provider that meets your needs.
Is this gathering for people of all genders?
Yes, we warmly invite people of all genders to join us in this transformational writing experience.
Will the retreat include free time?
Yes! We value giving you space to relax, write and integrate. Each afternoon you will have a couple of hours of free time to time do whatever feels best. While we value having you present at each offering, the retreat sessions are optional and you are encouraged to care for your needs at all times.
What is the weather at Rancho Encantado like in February?
Winter weather in the Yucatan is warm and gentle. Temperatures average in the upper 70s and lower 80s, with occasional rain showers. A light shawl or long sleeved shirt for evenings is usually sufficient. Pack a pair of sturdy shoes for our expedition to the pyramids, and shoes you can easily slip off and on at the door of our gathering space. Bring something festive for our Friday night Shabbat ceremony, and comfy clothes for morning movement practice.
What languages will be spoken during the retreat?
The retreat will be offered in English. Depending on how many participants wish to write in Spanish, we may have some small groups to share in Spanish as well.
Are there any cultural considerations I should be aware of?
Mexico is a beautiful and welcoming country. The culture is very warm and relaxed and we are confident you will feel right at home.
Are there any special requirements for participating in the day excursion to the pyramids?
One day of our retreat, we will visit a spectacular but little-known Mayan archeological site where we will write at the pyramids, followed by a traditional lunch served by our indigenous friends in a small village nearby. It promises to be a highlight of our time together and no further preparation is required by you. We will arrange transportation and please plan to tip our amazing local guide $20-40.
Will there be transportation provided from the airport to Rancho Encantado?
Transportation is not included to and from Rancho Encantado.
We recommend booking your flights into Chetumal airport. Most flights into Chetumal fly through Mexico City and Chetumal is about an hour taxi ride from Bacalar. Rancho Encantado can arrange a taxi from the airport to your accommodation.
The other option would be to fly into Cancun and arrange for transportation for the 4 hour drive. You could rent a car or there is a bus from Cancun to Bacalar. You might be able to arrange with other participants to book a shuttle from Cancun to Bacalar.
There is a new airport in Tulum which could be possible although we have not yet done it ourselves.
A friendly reminder: Participants are responsible for paying for transportation services to Rancho Encantado (see below for additional expenses).
What is the policy for substance use?
This retreat will be substance free. A wine list is available at dinner at your own cost and there will be a bottle of wine for the Shabbat ritual.
When do we arrive Tuesday, February 4th?
Retreat check in will begin at 3pm on Tuesday, February 4th.
Note: You are welcome to book time at Rancho Encantado before or after our retreat to give yourself a more spacious travel.
What time is checkout on Sunday, February 9th?
Check out will be at noon on February 9th.
Note: You are welcome to book time at Rancho Encantado before or after our retreat to give yourself a more spacious travel.
What is the cancellation policy?
Due to the arrangements necessary to make this retreat possible, we do not offer refunds.
To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone attending our international retreat, we are requiring all participants to purchase travel insurance.
This insurance should cover potential losses sustained due to trip cancellations, medical emergencies, accidents, or illnesses.
We recommend using a reputable provider like "Insure My Trip," though you are free to choose any insurance provider that meets your needs.
Is financial support available?
At Wild Heart, we value your participation regardless of financial resources. Understanding the imbalance of our world, we offer limited financial assistance to people who experience marginalization.
The application for financial assistance can be found here.
Can I share my experience on social media?
Absolutely! We love when friends share their experiences far and wide. For privacy, all participants will be asked if they consent to their photos being used and only those who do will have their image shared. We appreciate you spreading the love.
"I have led workshops here for decades and written many of the pages you may have read in my books during solo retreats at my family’s home adjoining Rancho Encantado. It is truly one of the most spiritually potent, culturally vibrant and physically beautiful places I know. I can’t wait to share it with you. "
-Mirabai Starr
We look forward to hearing your story.
“Do it! Show up and allow yourself to be taken. Soul work for modern times. All is welcome and you will be skillfully guided.”
-Anne Woods, Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
“I became a better me and a better writer.”
-Anna Christine, Wild Heart Writing Retreat Participant
