Mindful Storytelling: Reconnecting With our Creative Selves Through Writing and Beyond with Shivya Nath (Registration Closed)

In the age of AI and social media, this workshop gently draws us back to the essence of writing – a deeply transformational experience that can allow us to make sense of the world around us and within. We’ll create space to answer some pressing questions: Why do we doubt our creativity as we grow up? What role do writers play in society? What is the need for storytelling when there are already enough books, movies and paintings to consume? Through writing and complimentary forms of creative expression, we’ll rediscover the joy, impact and purpose of connecting with our creative selves.

This workshop will take place over 4 days, allowing ample time to explore the storyteller within each of us. Sessions will include writing spaces, discussions around creativity and art, mindful walks, zine making and collective reading. Weather permitting, we’ll spend an afternoon or two outdoors, experiencing the joy of slowing down in nature and writing in the quiet of the mountains. The workshop will focus on getting in touch with our own unique voice and honouring the creative soul within us.

The workshop will begin at 10 am on February 21st, and end by 12 noon on February 24th. Participants are requested to leave behind their digital devices and embrace the joy of writing in a notebook during the workshop. Conscious plant-based eating, digital minimalism, and time for self-reflection are encouraged during these four days. No prior experience in writing is required.

About the facilitators
Shivya Nath grew up in the Uttarakhand Himalayas and quit her corporate job at age 23 to pursue the dream of becoming a travel writer. She lived out of two bags for nearly seven years, spending time with local and Indigenous communities around the world, writing stories at the intersection of meaningful travel, the environment and local communities. She is the author of The Shooting Star, a bestselling travel memoir published by Penguin in 2018. Her work has been published in BBC Travel, National Geographic Traveller, The Washington Post and other publications. In 2023,
she became a recipient of the prestigious Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). She runs a widely read travel blog, The Shooting Star, and shares bite-sized written and visual stories on Instagram @shivya.

Rishabh Khaneja is a writer, photographer, and creative facilitator based in the Himalayas. After spending five years as an educator, he transitioned to pursue his passion for the arts, focusing on storytelling through writing and photography. Rishabh has authored short stories and children’s books and is currently working on his first book—a travel memoir inspired by his adventures and reflections. Rishabh facilitates writing and photography workshops that foster creativity and self-expression. His work draws inspiration from solo motorcycle journeys across India, reflections on everyday life, and the serene beauty of the Himalayan landscapes he calls home. In his stories, photographs, and essays, Rishabh explores themes of self-discovery, mindfulness, and the quiet beauty of existence. He shares his creative journey through his Substack newsletter, Creative Writing Laboratory, and on Instagram @dibsonthewindowseat.

Tentative Schedule
Day 1

Morning: 10 am to 12 noon with a short break
Afternoon: Prompt for self-exploration

Day 2
Morning: 10 am to 12 noon with a short break
Afternoon: Outdoor writing session

Day 3
Morning: 10 am to 12 noon with a short break
Afternoon: 2 to 4 pm with a short break

Day 4
Morning: 10 am – 12 noon with a short break

Registration
Inspired and in line with Deer Park’s philosophy, this retreat is offered free of charge. Accommodation and food are as per actuals, and students are welcome to offer
Dana/donation to support Deer Park’s work.

For queries, registration and accommodation, please email: info@deerpark.in

 

 

Date

Feb 21 - 24 2025

Location

Deer Park Institute, Bir
Deer Park Institute