Wintering: A Good Life Writer's Retreat

I was a little anxious about going to the Wintering program because writing in school had always been stressful for me. I didn't expect that I would come to enjoy writing and genuinely look forward to our class sessions each day. Jenny, Hallie, and all the other staff and students created an incredibly supportive environment that encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, explore my interests, and enjoy the process of writing. Learning and being creative really bonded the group together, and I made incredible lasting friendships. I will never forget the adventures we went on together, including ice fishing, cross country skiing, dogsledding, and cold plunging, but for me, the everyday moments are my favorite to look back on. Yoga and mindfulness overlooking the icy salt marsh, writing and sipping hot chocolate by the fire place during a snowstorm, cozy group dinners in the cookhouse, and looking for animal tracks in the deep snow in the woods each day are some of my favorite memories.

As a self-proclaimed hater of snow, I was anxious to experience winter in Maine. Thankfully, with the support of the incredible staff and the strong friendships made, I learned that I could not only survive, but thrive, in the snowy outdoors. Sharing warm meals, laughs while piecing together puzzles, and story-worthy night walks made daily highlights. One of my favorite moments was walking into my room on the first day only to hear my roommate playing a song that had been stuck in my head for a week.
From dog sledding, to ice fishing, to writing by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa in hand, every moment of Wintering felt unique and unforgettable. Despite all the exciting activities we had, like skiing at Sugarloaf, the part of the program I cherished most was getting to see my cohort open up and grow through their writing. Hearing everyone's unique voice and getting to see the world through their eyes, for just a brief moment, was truly the essence of Wintering for me.

This experience found a balance between teaching me everyday independent life skills and still keeping support. It was very fun and easy to feel comfortable and part of a community. I also experienced a lot of new things such as snow, dog sledding, poetry, writing, philosophy and a lot more plus I met a lot of new friends. I find that the Seguinland campus is also incredible and full of life and opportunities to explore. While the activities keep it fresh and fun while still living meaningful lessons.

If you'd like to get out of your shell, meet genuine people, and experience the beauty of nature, then Seguinland is your place! I did the May 2023 term and came back in January 2024 for the Wintering program. Don't let the idea of winter deter you from this term, It was truly one of the best three weeks of my life. The outdoor activities were just as fun as the indoor ones. Our cohort bonded through some amazing trips. We got to dog sled, go ice fishing, and skiing. We built a fire in the snow, ate incredible meals prepared by staff and students, and even had a dance party on the last day. Before I came here I had never shared my writing with anyone, but the guidance and support I received was truly a gift. It gave me the confidence to call myself a writer, and the mindset to love and enjoy my cohort's writing as well. Everyone's experience at Seguinland is different, but I can confidently say that everyone leaves this place with a new outlook on life.

Seguinland Institute is an unmatched transcendent experience, and the Good Life Writer's Retreat proves furthermore. In addition to the many literary and writing skills I obtained, this program quickly became a family, supporting one another day after day. Being able to utilize the great room, the gathering space and other locations throughout the campus, provided me with the headroom and drive to produce some of the best writing I've done. Truly an exceptionally special and grounding dwelling.

Ahh, Seguinland, my favorite place in the world!! Wintering was the second program I did with them because one trip around Back River Bend just wasn't enough!
The Wintering retreat consists of three weeks of writing, rewriting, community building, laughing, and adventuring. From dog sledding to visiting the Maine Botanical Gardens, inspiration for our prose was around every corner. When we weren't buried in our work, us students were making friendship bracelets, sharing stories from our past, and singing Tom Petty in the cottages. A purposeful choice to keep technology away in group settings helps facilitate amazing memories.
If you are a writer, come to Wintering. If you want to become a writer, come to Wintering. If you want to explore a quiet, slower way of life tucked away on the coast of Maine, come to Wintering. If you want to make memories to last a lifetime, come to Wintering. I promise it'll be the best decision you'll make.

It has been 10 months since the Wintering 2023 program at Seguinland, and I find myself thinking often about how truly grateful I am for the experience & the ways I grew from it (especially by learning to tap into intuitive awe and wonder). Beyond finding a new sense of grounding in my identity as a writer and poet (thank you, Jenny and Hallie!), the open-hearted, curious, and welcoming community at Seguinland has already become a blueprint for communities I've found in the past 10 months & those I hope to find in the future.

I am endlessly thankful for the ways in which my time "Wintering" in Maine has seeped into my life beyond Seguinland.

Nestled on an island on the coast of Maine, covered in beautiful landscapes of tree, surrounded by marshes. Seguinland's programs introduce a new sense of academics while allowing opportunities to find new ways to be objective about life. As a returning alumni, I was more than excited to come back and participate in this new program. The Wintering program leans into winter while simultaneously allowing you to find your narrative through experiential learning. Throughout the program, I had the time to engage in sourcing my narrative and understanding its importance. In just a short amount of time, I began to grow a strong love for writing and have continued it even after months of the program's exit.

My newfound love of writing was inspired by leaning into the winter but also through the support of the staff. The love and support that comes from Seguinland's staff grows only stronger when I've returned. I have yet to find a community that is more loving and accepting than this one.

What's even better is the friendships I've made over the years and continue to make throughout the programs. From cooking, rooming, and learning with others the friendships I've built can last an entire lifetime.

To Philip, Jenny, Halle, and all the staff who helped create this community, thank you ♡.

Much love,

M