Remember that wherever your heart is,
Our hearts are nourished by wisdom and liberated through insight. When you use writing to discover who you are, and free yourself from obsolete beliefs, you uncover the wisdom already inside you and find new dimensions of creative expression.
This seven-day writing retreat in Tuscany at Il Borgo Gallinaio is a unique opportunity to work personally with Mark and use his Writing to Awaken method as a path of transformation, self-discovery, and creativity. Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Tuscan countryside, you will spend your week in group and private writing sessions, practicing self-inquiry, working one-on-one with Mark, and enjoying the cultural and culinary splendors of this historic region.
“This retreat was an exquisite balance of discovering myself and discovering some beauties of the world, in harmony with participants who also came with an open heart, ready to share and listen. I will always cherish the memory of the retreat and the light it brought into my life. It also is clear to me now that writing can truly open the mind.”
~ Carole, Montréal, Canada
Who would benefit from Wisdom of the Heart
* Memoir writers who are interested in penetrating into the truth of their stories
* Journal keepers who enjoy self-exploration, and writing as a tool for mindfulness
* Legacy writers who want to record their experiences for family or preservation
* Writing Enthuisiasts that would like to create a regular writing practice
* Seekers who would like to explore important life themes using writing
What you will learn in this workshop
* To draw insight from lived experience in writing
* To attune to the voice of your internal witness
* To overcome shame, fear, and self-censorship in writing
* To incorporate your limitations as sources of originality
* To utilize your shadow materials in service to creativity
* To develop an ongoing Writing to Awaken practice
Whether you’re working on a creative project or prefer to use this time for self-exploration, Writing to Awaken in Italy will leave you – as one attendee put it – “whole and balanced, with lots of things to think about and ways to grow.” We invite you to join us for this enchanting retreat at Il Borgo Gallinaio for a week of inspiration, insight, and self-renewal in the heart of Italy.
About Il Borgo Gallinaio
Il Borgo Gallinaio is an estate that extends for 40 hectares and is framed by rows of turkey oaks, holm oaks, and olive trees. Nestled in the Sienese Montagnola, the property borders the renowned Camino Via Francigena, an ancient road and pilgrimage route running from the cathedral city of Canterbury in England, through France and Switzerland, to Rome and then to Apulia, Italy, where there were ports of embarkation for the Holy Land.
The borgo reflects all the charm of old 15th century Tuscan buildings, retaining its original architecture, which has remained intact. With plenty of outdoor areas and a swimming pool immersed in an immense park, it’s an ideal location to reconnect and commune with nature. The property is located less than 2 km from Monteriggioni, a 13th century fortified borgo set on a panoramic hill, dominating the slopes planted with vineyards and olive trees. The borgo is also just a short distance from Siena and the entire Chianti region, dotted with numerous castles transformed into wineries and medieval towns where you will be conquered by splendid landscapes and ancient buildings.
“This is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. Every
single day was beautiful. I can’t wait to come back.”
~ Nikki, New York City
What to Expect
Our goal is to provide you with a nurturing, stress-free, world-class experience so that you can focus on the task at hand – enjoying your time in Italy to the fullest. Once you land, everything is taken care of until we drop you off and say our goodbyes.
ARRIVAL DAY: Saturday, June 15, 2024
By Plane: Fly to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – Arrival Time: Before 12 pm
By Train: Siena Train Station – Arrival Time: Before 3:15 pm
You’ll be met at the airport and accompanied on the short walk to the Hilton Rome Airport Hotel where there will be space to gather, rest, eat, and wash up. Once all attendees have arrived, we will make the drive to the retreat site together. For anyone arriving by train, we will provide pick-up at the Siena Train Station.
During the week, writing sessions take place in the mornings and early afternoon. Late afternoons and evenings are reserved for local excursions, free time, and one-on-one meetings with Mark. All excursions are optional.
Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinners are seated as a group. Dietary restrictions are taken into consideration when preparing all meals.
DEPARTURE DAY: Saturday, June 22
The retreat ends after a short morning session with Mark. Transportation will be provided to the Siena train station and the Fiumicino Airport in Rome. All attendees must depart on Saturday. Additional nights at the Borgo are not possible. Guests are free to make their own arrival and departure arrangements at their own expense.
Please contact us with any questions about the retreat.
We are very excited about our return to Borgo Gallinaio and look forward to sharing this unique and beautiful experience.
RETREAT FEES
Queen Room: $3,300
To register, we require a $500 non-refundable deposit and completed registration form.
The Retreat Fee includes the writing workshop, accommodations, all meals, transportation, and excursions. Airfare not included.
All rooms have private baths and air conditioning.
View Cancellation and other retreat policies
CONTACT US TO REGISTER OR WITH QUESTIONS
Testimonials
“This workshop has been the most important thing I’ve done for myself in ages. The place was beautiful, magical, the food was so thoughtfully prepared, served and delicious, and most importantly the people inspired such love in me for them and myself. The sessions with Mark made me go deeper than ever. I loved the tours as well. Italy is just magical! This workshop is a MUST for a seeker. I came home a different person. I like her.”
~ Jimmie, USA
“The Return to Wonder retreat at Borgo Gallinaio was an invitation personified from beginning to end. Mark’s outstanding facilitation consistently encouraged and helped the words grow and take on meaning. He also facilitated relationship among the participants, creating a caring and relaxed environment. In addition, David and Kellie extended an ongoing invitation with their continual care and exquisite celebratory dinners. And of course there was the setting, the villa and the grounds extended an invitation to explore, and revel in the beauty that surrounded us. A wonder+full experience!”
~ Mary Ann, USA
“The retreat was an epiphany for me and kept on delivering. Even on the 10 hour drive home more revelations kept coming. I have a clarity I have never known before – my path, my mission, my purpose is now clear. Even if you are not a writer, if you are questioning or seeking Do This Retreat The WRITING is the tool/process, the AWAKENING is the result. Thank you Mark Matousek you have changed my life.”
~ Bill, Australia
“My heart is full. How can I express what this wonderful retreat meant to me in just a few words? It was Fabulous, soul stirring work rest and play, intense but gentle, supportive, funny, sad, thought provoking, eye opening heart-warming. I loved the way we all interacted and gelled as a group. The meditation was a gorgeous start to each day, and individual time with Mark was so supportive a launch pad for the discipline I now intend to bring to my writing life. This retreat has changed my focus – and therefore my life – and I am deeply grateful.”
~ Gill, UK
“My time with Mark Matousek was adventurous, joyful, regenerative, and truly life altering. In this intimate setting, his visceral and experiential teaching tactics are sublime. Anyone can easily feel how deeply honored he is to help people from all walks of life catalyze their own creative process. Travel with him to the absolute edge of your best self and I promise that your creative life will never be the same!”
~ Mickaela, USA
Monteriggioni
Siena
Chianti
Via Francigena
