In literature and myths throughout human history, the horse has symbolized freedom, companionship, heroic adventure, and intuitive intelligence. During this half-day retreat at the Colby’s Army farm, we will have the opportunity to engage with these majestic, sensitive animals and integrate the wisdom they have to offer us through creative writing. Becky Bauer, the director Sage Horse, and trained staff will guide us through meaningful equine activities, which promise to cultivate self-connection, awareness, and insight that we can bring to the page.
After spending time with the horses, we will play with a variety of writing prompts that encourage nurturing creative confidence, leaning into the power of metaphor, and accessing the wise, compassionate intuition that lives within all of us. There will be plenty of time for sharing writing and time to wander in the wild beauty of the Tennessee countryside. No writing-experience or equine-experience is necessary—only an openness to connecting with horses, finding refuge in nature, and tending to the creative spirit.
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Claire Coenen (M.S.W., M.Ed., M.T.S.) is a writer and facilitator with a passion for sharing the renewing and liberating powers of the creative process with her community. Claire’s first collection of poems, The Beautiful Keeps Breathing (Kelsay Books, 2024), explores themes of imaginative power, loss, and healing. Claire is the director of Sophia's Center for the Healing Arts, a local gathering space, which offers classes that encourage creative self-expression through practices such as generative writing, SoulCollage®, yoga, and dreamwork.
"Claire is uniquely talented at empowering others to pursue a spark."
"Claire created a welcoming space for writers to delve into very difficult topics. She created this container with abundant compassion and thoughtfulness. She is clearly passionate about the intersection of healing and writing."
"Claire is a generous teacher who shares a deep well of inspiration and resources. She creates a safe place to explore the work of healing through writing."
