Write Now. A Summer Retreat for Writers

Name: Write Now. A Summer Retreat for Writers
Start: 2025-08-01
End: 2025-08-08
Location: Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing
Rating: 5

5.0013 reviews

191 Cragsmoor Road; Cragsmoor, New York 12566

Up to 20 in group

August 1 - 8, 2025

Retreat Highlights

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Individual manuscript coaching
Group writing sprints
Shamatha and guided meditations
Gentle Yoga
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
Extensive library of dharma books
Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Minna

John

Minna Zallman Proctor

Author, translator, and editor, Minna Zallman Proctor has been working closely with writers and visual artists across genres for over twenty years to develop, strategize, revise, and refine their creative projects. She meets creatives where they are in their work, approach, and vision—helping to align all three. As a veteran professor of creative writing, she’s attuned to different processes and modes of creativity. She believes that making art and literature is hard and exhilarating work, but should never be painful or boring.

Minna is the author most recently of the memoir Landslide: True Stories, and the translation from Italian of Natalia Ginzburg’s Happiness, As Such. Her new translation of Cesare Pavese’s The Leucothea Dialogues is due out this fall. She was editor of The Literary Review from 2008-2021 and director of the Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

John Henderson

John Henderson has studied Buddhist philosophy and practiced meditation for nearly 30 years. Since 2003 he has been a senior student of the Dharmakaya Center’s founder, Rimay master Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche. John has applied the teachings in his professional life as a serial entrepreneur, leading both healthcare and real estate businesses, and as a board member of numerous not-for-profit organizations in the Northeast. He has been teaching at the Center since it opened in 2017, offering dozens of programs in person and online, as well as providing individual meditation guidance to our retreatants and our volunteers. COMMENTS FROM FORMER STUDENTS

"John models the attributes that I am always working on developing. Graciousness, patience, compassion. It's one thing to teach it, another to live it."
“John was fantastic. His teaching has changed my life for the better.”
“I absorbed more from John’s teachings than from any other Buddhist materials I’ve seen.”
“I really enjoyed this experience – a weekend I will never forget which may have changed my view on a few things.”
“John’s teachings were excellent. He provided very clear explanations and was generous with his time with answering questions.”
“The balance of teaching/questions, contemplation and meditation practice was optimal. I have a much better understanding of the practice and its relevance in my life.”
“John was wonderful. Full of warmth, wisdom and patience”
“I feel calm and re-energized. I am excited to restart my personal practice and feel inspired to apply a number of new techniques that enrich my daily life.”
“John is an excellent teacher. I really appreciated how he adjusted his planned presentation to accommodate our many questions”

GUIDED MEDITATIONS (please click to link to the meditation)

Details of this retreat

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT
It’s hard to find the time or space to write a book. Or a play. Or a poem. Or even a letter for that matter. This retreat is designed just for you. In our countryside haven you will have the solitude to focus on your craft, bolstered by group meditation, gentle yoga, woods walks, and the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring and guidance. Each day has structure—but no requirements. Making amazing progress? Stay at your desk and keep writing. Done for the day? Join like-minded people as you explore your craft together.

"I made amazing connections—but being able to work with no distractions and no cell phone service: Perfect."
“The beauty, The serenity. The food! It’s hard to limit to just one thing. I am grateful for the entire experience”

BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT: Do you know someone who would like this program, but hasn't been to the Center? Bring them, and you both get a 10% discount on your entire program package. For the discount to apply, there must be two reservations, at least one of whom has not taken a Dharmakaya Center class previously. At checkout, apply the Discount Code: BringAFriend. May not be combined with an Early Bird Discount.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: We are pleased to be able to offer partial scholarships for this program. Please apply here.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This retreat is designed to nourish both the creative mind and the soul. Whether you are seeking structured support for your writing or the freedom to immerse yourself in solitude, our retreat provides the ideal environment to reconnect with your craft.

Each day begins in silence, with an optional morning meditation or yoga session, held in our sun-dappled Meditation Hall or Outdoor Practice Pavilion overlooking the woods. These gentle practices help clear the mind, spark creativity, and set a focused intention for the day ahead. After a nourishing breakfast, you can retreat to your chosen workspace—be it your room, the library, or a bench in our 90 acres of woods.

The full morning is set aside as a writing block to ensure uninterrupted time to immerse in your work.

Afternoons invite deeper creative exploration through additional writing time, meditation sessions, yoga, or mindful walks through scenic trails. Optional coaching sessions provide individualized guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. Whether you need help overcoming writer’s block, refining your voice, or plotting your next novel, our expert coach, Minna Proctor, is here to support your journey.
Evenings offer the chance to share work in a relaxed setting, connect with fellow writers, or simply unwind beneath the stars.
Whether you seek solitude or community, structure or freedom, this retreat is a sanctuary, providing the private space and quiet environment—free from the distractions of everyday life—for you to engage in your writing practice.

PERSONAL MANUSCRIPT COACHING
The objective of an individual coaching session will be to emerge with a clear and feasible set of next steps and a strong articulation of what your project is and where you are in the process

Includes reading up to 10,000 words
After 100 pages, please calculate an additional $100 per 100 pages
For projects that don’t fit into these parameters, feel free to contact Minna through retreats@dharmakayacenter.org with questions
Manuscripts should be delivered 1-2 days before the coaching session

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
Shamatha and guided meditations
Gentle yoga
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
Extensive library of dharma books
Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna

OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.

SCHEDULE
(subject to change)

Friday, August 1

3:00 PM
Check in begins

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:15-9:15 PM
Welcome and Introduction

Discussion on Retreat Mind

Opening Meditation

Silence Begins

10:00 PM
Lights Out

Saturday, August 2-Thursday, August 7 (all activities optional)

7:00-8:00 AM
Gentle Yoga Practice (Saturday, Monday, Wednesday)

7:30-8:00 AM
Morning Salutations and Meditation (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday)

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast (in silence)

9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Creative Time

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch (silence ends)

1:30-3:30 PM
Work with Manuscript Coach (daily; additional fee)

3:30-4:30 PM
Guided Meditation

4:30-6:00 PM
Woods Walk (Saturday, Monday, Wednesday)

4:30-6:00 PM
Gentle Yoga Practice (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday)

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:00-9:00 PM
Opportunity to share work aloud

Fire Pit (weather permitting)

9:00 PM
Silence Begins

10:00 PM
Lights Out

Friday, August 8

7:30-8:00 AM
Morning Salutations and Meditation

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:00-11:00 AM
Creative Time

11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Group Discussion/Sparklets

Closing Ceremony

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch

1:00 PM
Checkout and Departure

Read More

Schedule

7:30-8:00 AM: Morning Mediation and Salutations
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM-12:00 PM: Program or free time
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00-6:00 PM: Program or free time
6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
10:00 PM Lights Out

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing, 191 Cragsmoor Road; Cragsmoor, New York 12566

Directions

CAR. You will find a link for driving directions on our website. The parking lot is immediately to your left when you enter the Center grounds. You may drive up and drop your luggage at the Welcome Center, but may not leave your car unattended there; someone will be happy to shuttle you back down to the parking lot.

TRAIN. From Newark, La Guardia and Penn Station, you can take the Metro North train into Middletown, New York, approximately a 30-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

BUS. From New York City, you can take the Shortline Bus into Ellenville, New York, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

PLANE. Newark, La Guardia and Stewart Airports all offer convenient services. From Newark or LaGuardia you can complete your trip by train; from Stewart you may rent a car or take a taxi service. Read More

Accommodation

Our two residence halls offer a simple, peaceful environment that supports your retreat experience, with rooms for those on both personal and solitary retreats. Each room has a meditation cushion and zabuton. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner with the resident community, as well as towels and housekeeping. All guests are welcome, but not required, to join the daily meditation and other activities (although separate tickets are required for all ticketed events). • Our junior suites have a double bed, private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. • Our private rooms have a double bed and room for private meditation, with a shared bath. Rooms may be shared by those in a committed relationship.

Commuter

Our Commuter Fee covers the costs of all meals during your retreat and the use of all our facilities. Read More

Private Room: Single

This comfortable room has a double bed and ample room for meditation. It is outfitted with a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object; it shares a bath with one or two other rooms. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room rate includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day; in addition, there is a tea station on every hall. Read More

Junior Suite: Single

These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station. Read More

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Perched atop a wooded hillside in the hamlet of Cragsmoor, the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing is surrounded by 90 acres of forest. The Center opened in 2017 and was purpose built to support retreats. With only 20 bedrooms, our retreats are small, keeping the retreat experience intimate. People regularly comment both on the cleanliness of the buildings and on the total sense of peace that envelopes you when on campus. Read More

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Ancient wisdom describes food as a source of prana, or life force. The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing was founded on the premise that nourishing food is integral to wellbeing. Our chefs are passionate about creating meals that are both flavorful and healthy. We use the freshest, most nutritious, least processed foods available; when possible our ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your accommodation fee. To promote good health, we serve delicious, varied, nutritious vegetarian food, with options at every meal. All our meals are served on a buffet, with ingredients listed next to each dish, enabling guests to avoid dairy, as well as glutens, nuts and other allergens. Read More

What's Included

Comfortable accommodations with queen bed in every room
All linens
Three delicious, farm-fresh vegetarian meals a day
Tea station and fruit bowl always available
Large Meditation Hall and private Meditation Room
Extensive library of dharma books
Cozy chairs and fireplace
90-acre campus with walking trails and outdoor meditation spots
Fire pit
Outdoor practice pavilion

What's Not Included

Travel to the Center

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Catherine • Dec 14, 2024

5.0

Verified

thanhgiving retreat

hello

My retreat was great met alot of interesting people from everywhere as far as Brazil and China most people were from New Jersey. The food was great. I was in the yoga class on a chair and then decided I wanted to sit on the mat i miss and landed on the floor. There was so many people that just jumped out to help me. The place is very peaceful it feels like one big family. Catherine Asaro Read More

Laura • Feb 01, 2023

5.0

Verified

Peace in a comfortable environment

From the moment I arrived I was impressed with how peaceful and immaculate the entire facility is. The rooms had exactly what I needed with a comfortable bed and pillows, meditation table and cushions, and a desk. Towels were provided as well. Vegetarian meals were delicious. I was able to immerse myself in the silent meditation retreat and focus on deepening my practice. This is a perfect place for me and I’m already planning my next retreat. Read More

Anonymous • May 18, 2022

5.0

Verified

Beautiful spot

Dharmakaya Center is a beautiful & peaceful spot. Highly recommend! The center is immaculate and well maintained. Great staff and facilities. Read More

YELENA • Nov 10, 2021

5.0

Verified

Amazing place Amazing experience

If you are looking for a place to unwind and grow spiritually while eating the best food this place is for you. Brand-new beautiful facility, super friendly stuff and relaxing atmosphere - I don’t know the better way to spend a weekend. I enjoyed my stay and I’m coming back! Read More

Debra • Sep 03, 2021

5.0

Verified

fantastic experience

I was in a wonderful art work shop and it was amazing. Accommodations where beautiful. Food was delicious and fantastic.
Beautiful grounds lovely walking experience. . The staff was delightful. Read More

Write Now. A Summer Retreat for Writers

Retreat Highlights

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Minna Zallman Proctor

John Henderson

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions