Deryk's Staff Pick iconDeryk's Staff Pick
Top Rated iconTop Rated

The Gift of Writing: Introspection and Self-Reflection

Date
December 11 - 13, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

A winter retreat to help you turn inward, self-reflect, and express yourself with ease.

As winter solstice approaches, we gather in stillness and allow quiet presence to lead us back to ourselves. In this Wild Heart Writing retreat, we begin by invoking the muse, releasing expectations and setting aside our inner critics. Clear, compelling writing follows, seemingly without effort.

Through fresh, provocative prompts and timed exercises, we loosen our unique creativity. Words surface, memories return and stories emerge. We read aloud in an inspiring, supportive circle — no critique, only encouragement. This practice can serve as a meditation, a window to the words within, or a way to rekindle any stalled writing project.

No experience is needed, only a pen, a notebook, and a willingness to play and listen to your inner voice.

Please keep in mind: We will write by hand on pen and paper, not with the use of a keyboard or electronic device.

 

Retreat Schedule (Subject to change):

FRIDAY

3 pm Check-in
5:30 Dinner
7 pm Opening Circle

SATURDAY

7 am Meditation
8 am Breakfast
9:30-11:45 am Writing Circle
12:15 Lunch
3-5 pm Writing Circle
5:30 Dinner
7 pm Reading Circle

SUNDAY

7 am Meditation
8-9:30 am Writing Circle
10 am Brunch
11-11:30 am Closing Circle
12pm Checkout

For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins



ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included - carpooling encouraged
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace, spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. 
Vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.

What people are saying about our retreats:



“The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings - everything was so peaceful and nurturing”
“It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.”
“It was exactly what I needed - to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit. ."


“Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings. 
“Space and time for meditation and movement classes were truly wonderful.”
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."

Getting Here

Location icon Ratna Ling Retreat Center

Directions

San Francisco International and Oakland International airports are approximately three hours south of Ratna Ling by car. Alaska Airlines flies to and from Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa which is approximately 1.5 hours from Ratna Ling by car. Unfortunately, there are no shuttles that bring you directly to Ratna Ling, so it is best to rent a car or email us to support in coordinating a carpool with fellow retreatants.

Accommodation

14 guest cottages on 120 acres of property. Each spacious, quiet cottage has 2 private rooms, with high ceilings and a deck with a view. Cottages include jet tubs (or ADA shower), towels, deluxe linens, refrigerator, tea kettle, coffee/tea, kitchen sink/counter, diningware, dining table, and living room with a stove fireplace. Free wifi available and a landline telephone. Guests can choose to have an exclusive cottage for ONE person; a private room for ONE person in a SHARED cottage; or a cottage for TWO people. Any additional guest after TWO is $100 per person per night. Meals and classes included.

For 1 guest in Private Room, Shared Cottage

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Three miles from the beautiful Sonoma coast. Organic, vegetarian meals. 120 acres of redwoods, canyons, reservoirs, and wildlife. Sacred architecture timber cottages and communal spaces. Featured stupas, gardens, and temple empowered by Tibetan Buddhist Lama Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche.

Meals

Menu Types

All of our meals are organic and vegetarian, made with love and care. We provide homemade yogurt and granola for breakfast. Lunches and dinners always include salads or salad bar. Each meal is self-served on a buffet table.

Customer Reviews

4.95 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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My New Favorite Retreat Spot
Ratna Ling Retreat Center was truly a peaceful getaway. I went for a writers' retreat and truly wish I could have stayed longer. The people were incredibly supportive, and the entire space felt calm and welcoming. I loved seeing deer, wild turkeys, and hearing the morning "taps" of the woodpeckers.

The cabins were spacious and spotless, and the vegetarian food was absolutely delicious. Every detail felt thoughtfully cared for. It’s the best retreat (escape) I’ve had in a long time.

I will definitely be going back

Thank you, Ratna Ling Retreat Center, for existing in this world.

5.0
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Harvest festival
The harvest festival was a beautiful event and as always, the environment was exquisite. So peaceful you’re the pristine nature was conducive to meditation and inspiration. The staff is so helpful and kind of and accommodating. The harvest festival was really fun. Absolutely five star food for every meal.! thank you for all you do🙏🪷

5.0
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2026 Fall Harvest Celebration
What a wonderful event. What the Ratna Ling volunteers cultivate through hard work, good practices and much love was displayed in many forms. The food was fresh, healthy and delicious. The guests were welcomed with enthusiasm. The music was great. The beauty of Ratna Ling was at its finest. Thanks to everyone who made this opportunity possible.

5.0
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What an experience!
Ratna Ling Retreat Center was the ideal location for this spiritual weekend of introspection, exploration & yoga.

5.0
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Much needed
I can't say enough about how Ratna Ling set the bar high when it comes to a peaceful environment. All the volunteers were very kind and helpful. The cottage was uniquely charming and memorable. The food was outstanding,

I will be sharing my experience with friends and family.

Thank you!

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