Stories of Courage, Messages of Hope.
Writing for Wellness
A sacred one day writing retreat.
Reflect. Reconnect. Rewrite Your Story.
Sunday August 10th, 2025
10.00am - 5.00pm
John Clare Cottage, Woodgate, Helpston,
Nr. Stamford, Peterborough, PE6 7ED
Welcome!
Have you been feeling a little lost lately? Disconnected from who you are—or who you once dreamed you’d become? If you’re yearning for peace, clarity, and a return to your most creative and authentic self, then this retreat is for you.
I’m Karen Packwood, founder of The Spirit Spa Writer’s Sanctuary™, and I warmly invite you to join me in this one-day Writing for Wellness retreat—a sacred space where calm meets creativity, and the written word becomes a gentle path back home to yourself.
Set in the garden of the stunning John Clare Cottage, steeped in poetic heritage and natural serenity, this retreat offers a nurturing environment to rest, reflect, and reconnect with your inner world. Through guided writing activities, quiet reflection, and soulful exploration, you’ll begin to uncover the wisdom of your heart and spirit.
You don’t need to be a writer to attend. You only need to be open to listening to your own voice. We’ll explore writing as a form of self-inspiration—tapping into the emotions, memories, and ancestral wisdom that live within you. Whether your words come as poetry, prose, a list, or a whisper, they will be honoured as sacred expressions of your truth. You will write not to impress, but to express. Not to perfect, but to empower.
This retreat will support you in:
Reconnecting with your authentic voice.
Cultivating trust, curiosity, and imagination through the writing process.
Gently releasing old fears and limiting beliefs.
Discovering the hidden gifts in your personal and ancestral story.
Stepping out of the shadows and into the light of your true self.
The blank page becomes a playground of self-discovery. The words that arise are not forced or fabricated—they are found, uncovered, and remembered. They come from a place of quiet wisdom, of ancestral connection, and of inner knowing. This is where transformation begins. If you’ve found your way to this page, it means something inside you is ready. A quiet inner voice is guiding you to explore, to remember, and to reawaken. Trust that voice.
I’m so excited to welcome you into this circle of peace, creativity, and soulful connection. Let’s meet on the page—and in the beauty of John Clare’s garden—to discover what new stories, truths, and light are waiting to rise and be written from within you.
Wishing you a peaceful day,
Karen xxx
“Karen’s Retreat Was a Turning Point”
“The combination of poetry and creative writing meditations within peaceful surroundings helped me to reconnect with my intuition in ways I didn’t expect. Karen has a gift for helping others feel seen and inspired. I’ve already signed up for her next retreat.”
Isabella, The Vale of Belvoir, U.K.
Includes:
A one day writing retreat.
Refreshments: coffee and pastries on arrival, a light lunch then tea and cake in the afternoon (Please advise of allergies in advance).
Two follow up online workshops to discuss work in progress, receive feedback and support from Karen.
Free time to explore the John Clare museum (free entrance).
When we slow down enough to sit still and listen, we feel the whisper of our soul in the beat of our heart and the compass within to guide us safely forward.
— Karen Packwood, #1 best selling author and founder of The Spirit Spa Writer’s Sanctuary™.
“No Experience Needed — Just Bring Your Heart”
“I’ve never written a word outside of emails, but this day changed how I think about creativity. Karen creates a beautifully safe, inclusive space where every voice matters. I surprised myself with what I wrote — and how healing it felt.” Katherine, Bingham, U.K.
What You’ll Experience:
Guided writing meditations for self-discovery.
Moments of quiet reflection grounded in nature.
A peaceful, supportive space to explore your inner voice.
Gentle group connection — sharing always optional.
Tea, poetry/creative writing, and space to simply be.
Who This Retreat Is For?
This retreat is lovingly designed for those who feel called to reconnect with themselves through the healing power of writing. You’ll feel at home here if:
You feel emotionally or spiritually disconnected and long to reconnect with your true self.
You’re curious about using writing as a tool for empowering, reflection, and self-discovery—no experience needed.
You’re navigating life changes, loss, or personal transformation and want a gentle, supportive space to explore.
You sense a quiet inner voice calling you to step out of the shadows and into a more authentic, soul-aligned creative life.
Who This Retreat Is Not For?
This retreat may not be the right fit if you’re looking for a structured, performance-focused writing workshop or:
You want technical feedback on grammar, publishing, or commercial writing strategy.
You prefer fast-paced, high-energy environments over quiet reflection and emotional exploration.
You’re uncomfortable with introspective practices such as silence or guided meditation.
“I particularly enjoyed the time given for sharing and feedback.” Lynne, Nottingham, U.K.
About Karen:
Karen is the co-author of three Number 1 best-selling personal well-being anthologies and two best-selling personal development books. Her writing has been read in the House of Commons by Alicia Kearns MP as part of a Remembering Srebrenica debate and, in collaboration with journalist Bobby Twidale, she won the NCTJ 2023 podcast Award for Excellence. Her poetry has been published by Nottingham Voices and The 87 Press.
Having graduated with Distinction from the MA Creative Writing programme at the University of Nottingham, she is now in the final year of a PhD where she specialises in life writing (autobiography and memoir), examining the relationship between trauma, writing and wellness. Additionally, Karen has a YouTube channel where she supports those who are in the early stages of recovering from a nervous breakdown so that they can, through creative writing, work out why the breakdown happened and identify their next natural steps towards rebuilding a flourishing life.
She is passionate about helping people to connect with the power of innate creativity and writing in order to enhance authentic well-being and lifestyle.
'The greatest adventure is your own transformation once you begin to honour your truth.'
Karen Packwood - An Angel in the Wilderness: How to Survive When Life Falls Apart
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. This retreat is not about perfecting language—it’s about discovering your truth and expressing it in your own voice. Grammar and punctuation can be shaped later if needed. Here, the focus is on what wants to be said, not how it’s formatted.
No. You don’t need any background in literature or poetry. This is a space of exploration. The only knowledge required is your willingness to listen inwardly and follow your curiosity.
Yes, absolutely. If you’re thinking about writing your life story, this retreat can help you begin identifying the themes, moments, and messages that truly matter to you. It’s a nurturing space to reflect and begin shaping your voice.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring existing work. While the retreat is focused on new, in-the-moment writing, your existing material may naturally weave in. This is your journey—use the time and space in the way that serves you best.
No rules required. In fact, we encourage you to let go of rules and expectations. Writing for wellness is about freedom, intuition, and expression—not structure or form. You’ll be invited to write from the heart, however that looks for you.
Only if you want to. Sharing is completely optional. This is a safe, non-judgmental space where you are always in control of your boundaries. Some participants find sharing empowering; others prefer to keep their writing private. Both are honoured equally.
No. Beginners are warmly welcomed. Whether you've never written a word or haven’t written in years, this retreat will gently guide you to discover your voice and trust it. Curiosity and openness are all you need.
Not at all. Many experienced writers find deep nourishment in reconnecting with the why behind their writing. This retreat offers a soulful space to slow down, reflect, and explore your creative process in a more personal and intuitive way.
While publishing isn’t the focus, the retreat can certainly help you uncover meaningful material and direction for future projects. Many participants find the clarity and inspiration here become the seeds of larger writing journeys, including publication.
No. This retreat was designed for you. Writing for your own joy and self-discovery is deeply valid and valuable. You don’t need a goal beyond the moment. This is your space, your pace, your voice.
No, I’m not a qualified coach, counsellor, or therapist. The retreats I offer are rooted in my personal lived experience and academic expertise in trauma-informed creative writing. My own journey began after a nervous breakdown, during which journalling became a powerful tool for processing thoughts and emotions. This experience inspired me to pursue an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Nottingham, where I graduated with Distinction. My research focused on trauma-based life writing, particularly memoir and autobiography.
I’m currently in the final year of a PhD in Creative Writing, exploring how to write about the unspeakable—examining themes such as trauma, silence, and taboo. Alongside this, I hold a PGCE in Secondary Education and spent nearly 30 years teaching before fully dedicating myself to writing and leading retreats like this one.
These retreats offer a supportive, creative space for reflection and self-expression. However, they are not a form of therapy or counselling, nor are they intended to replace professional mental health support. Participants should ensure they are medically fit to attend and consult with a GP, therapist, or counsellor if unsure.
Everyone remains in control of what they choose to write about and is encouraged to explore only what feels safe and appropriate for them.
Qualified and registered counsellors and/or psychotherapists can be found via the following links:
British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists:
UK Council for Psychotherapy:
If you need urgent support, you can contact:
The Samaritans:
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/
Call 116 123
MIND:
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The Spirit Spa Writer's Sanctuary™
A Sacred One Day Writing Retreat
Where writing, nature and your heart’s truth beat as one.
The Spirit Spa Writer’s Sanctuary™
Stories of Courage, Messages of Hope.
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