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RETREAT SUMMARY
At this year's in-person writing retreat, we will turn up the volume as we listen to the wisdom, challenge, and beauty of the lyrics and poetry of Bob Dylan. We will come together to find our raspy writing voices. We will seek to let his words that went from pen to paper and into the microphone illuminate our lives. We will try to capture our own thoughts in poetry and journaling as we share our journey over a full weekend retreat.
The Times They Are A-Changin’
Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide, the chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon, for the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who that it's namin'
For the loser now will be later to win
For the times, they are a-changin'
- Bob Dylan
Our spirit guide will be the reluctant prophet named Bob Dylan. One of the best known and loved song writers in the world, Bob Dylan has won 10 Grammy Awards, and one Academy Award. His writing has earned him both the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature. He is the only musician to have won both awards.
The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Pete Seeger were all influenced by Bob Dylan. His writing continues to impact our world today. On our Journey of Illumination we find blowing in the wind the very spirit many of us seek.
Although Dylan is known to have relentlessly revised his writing, he has also been the beneficiary of songs that came seemingly out of nowhere. We will follow his lead as we put down whatever arises in our hearts and minds.
Like Dylan wrote in Mr. Tambourine Man, we long "to be wandering." In this respect as we gather at the Bergamo Center (situated on 150 acres of land), we’ll zip up our coats, put on our hats and gloves, and venture out into the winter landscape to wander and write. Of course, we’ll also have the option to open our notebook, pull up a chair, sip our tea or coffee, and look out the window.
Am I Poet?
Illuman is dedicated to helping men on a spiritual journey. That quest is what this writing retreat is about. We choose this time in January because we are naturally planning for the year ahead of us, and also looking to root ourselves in the here and now.
You don't have to think of yourself as a poet or lyricist to greatly benefit from this Illuman writing retreat. The weekend is open to men of all writing experiences—from complete novice to published author to established musician. We mainly focus on sharing our journey. Poetry is one vehicle to help us in that quest. You won't have to worry about rhyming, cadence, nor other aspects of some classical poetry, or tight song writing. In fact, you don't even have to write poetry. You could choose to do a series of journal entries instead, or some combination of journaling and poetry.
The retreat is broken up into six writing experiences. Each experience will begin with some inspiration from Bob Dylan's work that leads to a writing prompt. After the writing period, all participants will take part in small council groups. Sharing work is optional but strongly encouraged.
We will gather as a large group, but we will also experience some one-on-one time with another participant, as well as small group councils. We will have a relaxed schedule and an extended lunch and wandering on Saturday. All this is to say that the retreat has a lot of variety in it. You won't be sitting watching experts talk about poetry or Bob Dylan. You will be invited to be fully involved. We are not experts in Dylan's writing, but we do believe we can all find inspiration in it.
About Ohio Illuman
This will be the seventh year for the writing retreat sponsored by Ohio Illuman. We are thrilled to invite men from around the world to join us in this reflective writing journey as we gather in person to share our real-life experiences.
Retreat Content Carriers
Brian Mueller and Tom Sparough will be our retreat content carriers. Brian is a graphic designer and poet with nine self-published volumes of poetry. Tom is also known as the “Space Painter” and is a performance artist and writer who has published seven of his own eclectic books and who does freelance content editing for others on the quest of writing a book.
You can learn more about Brian and his poetry at Brian’s Website.
You can learn more about Tom and his art at Space Painter.
Do you live outside of Ohio?
The Bergamo Center is nearby the Dayton airport. Let us know when registering that you need a ride and we will try to arrange a volunteer to transport you to and from the airport.
Meals Information
We begin with dinner on Friday and finish with lunch on Sunday. All food is prepared by the retreat center and they are conscientious about dietary restrictions and do offer alternatives. Please let us know your preference when registering.
In between meals, we will immerse ourselves in ritual, writing, discussion, rest, and fellowship. Don't miss this opportunity to be with other men on the Journey of Illumination.
We hope you’ll join us for this unique retreat experience!
Mr. Tambourine Man
Take me on a trip
upon your magic swirling ship
My senses have been stripped
My hands can't feel to grip
My toes too numb to step
Wait only for my boot heels
to be wandering
I'm ready to go anywhere
I'm ready for to fade
into my own parade
Cast your dancing spell my way
I promise to go under it
Hey Mr. Tambourine Man
play a song for me
I'm not sleepy and there
is no place I'm going to
- Bob Dylan
RETREAT DETAILS
WHEN
Friday (Evening) - Sunday (Midday)
January 19-21, 2024
WHERE
Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning
4400 Shakertown Rd
Dayton OH 45430
COST
$379 and includes:
• Two-nights
• Single room occupancy
• Private bath
• All meals
*If the fee is cost prohibitive, we still want you to join us and will accept discounted registration amounts beginning at $180. (See below.)
QUESTIONS?
If you would like to attend this retreat but have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the retreat leaders.
Retreat Registration
Don't Delay! - Registration closes on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Don't Delay! - Registration closes on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Cancellations
If you have to cancel for some reason, we request you do so before January 3, 2024. We will be happy to refund your registration fee, but please also consider making a donation. Our goal is to provide affordable and beneficial programs to all men on a spiritual journey. Thank you for your understanding and feel free to contact us with questions.