Breath, Body, and The Page: A Creative Weekend

A Retreat for Body and Story at James Monroe’s Highland

Dates: March 28–29 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: James Monroe’s Highland

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The Experience

Join us for two days of movement and metaphor on the historic grounds of Highland. This retreat is designed for the contemplative creative—those looking for a laidback environment that isn't afraid to find an edge and dig deep.

Whether you are a professional writer, a daily journaler, a longtime yogi, or someone who has never touched a yoga mat, you belong here. We are stripping away the pressure of performance to focus on the process.

Breath, Body, and The Page is an "all levels" experience. We invite all genres of writers and all bodies to explore how somatic movement can unlock narrative flow, and how the history of this land can ground our modern stories.

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The Setting: James Monroe's Highland

We will be gathering at Highland, a site of profound beauty and complex history nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This land was once the home of President James Monroe and his family; it was also the home of the enslaved men, women, and children who lived, labored, and forged lives here. We acknowledge the full weight of this history. We invite you to wander the gardens and grounds not just to find quiet, but to connect with the many stories—spoken and unspoken—that this landscape holds.

It is a place where history and nature converge, offering a powerful backdrop for examining our own voices and stories.

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What to Expect

🧘 The Movement

Led by Sterling Howell, our yoga sessions are designed to support the work you do on the page. We will use the physical practice to release the tension that blocks creativity. Expect a practice that is grounding and accessible, yet deeply focused.

• Experience Level: Open to all. No prior yoga experience required.

 

✍️ The Writing

Led by Andi Cumbo, our writing workshops will move beyond simple prompts into generative work. We will explore voice, sensory detail, and the discipline of "getting it down." You will leave with fresh words and new tools for your writing practice.

• Experience Level: Open to all genres and backgrounds.

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Sample Daily Schedule

Our schedule follows the flow of the group and the weather, but here is what you can expect:

• 9:00 AM: Morning Yoga with Sterling (Grounding & Opening)

• 10 AM: Breakfast and Coffee

• 11:00 AM: Writing Session I with Andi (Generative Work)

• 12:30 PM: Catered Lunch (Included)

• 1:30 PM: Self-Guided Tour of Highland

• 2:30 PM: Writing Session II with Andi (Voice & Narrative)

• 4:00 PM: Restorative Movement & Closing Circle

• 5:00 PM: Day Concludes

Note: On Saturday evening, we invite attendees to join us for an optional "pay-your-own" dinner at a local restaurant to keep the conversation going.

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Accessibility & Inclusivity

We are committed to making this retreat welcoming to all bodies and needs.

• Physical Accessibility: James Monroe’s Highland is a historic site. While our main indoor workspaces are accessible, some outdoor activities may involve grass, gravel paths, or uneven ground.

• Yoga Modifications: Our practice is fully inclusive. If getting up and down from the floor is not available to you, we are happy to provide modifications and alternative movements.

• Dietary Needs: We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free, etc.) for our catered meals. You will have a chance to specify your needs upon registration.

If you have specific questions about navigating the site or the practice, please contact us.

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Your Guides

Andi Cumbo Writer, Editor, Publisher. A former English Professor and a lover of all things wordish, Andi brings an academic’s knowledge with a writer’s heart. She specializes in helping writers find the core of their story and the confidence to tell it. Find out more about Andi at andilit.com. 

Sterling Howell Yoga Instructor & Historian. A lover of all things nature, Sterling bridges the gap between the past and the present, the body and the earth. His teaching style is rooted in the belief that understanding our history—and our physical selves—is essential to moving forward. Find out more about Sterling at Ragged Mountain Yoga.

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Logistics

• Meals: Morning coffee/pastries and a catered lunch are included on both days.

• What to Bring: A yoga mat, comfortable layers, your favorite writing tools, and walking shoes.

• Investment: $500 (Flat Fee)

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Secure Your Space

Space is limited to ensure an intimate environment for feedback and connection.

 

Questions? Contact us at andi@andilit.com