Wondering and Wandering: Writing Paths Towards a New Economy

What is it?

This retreat is envisioned as a learning-by-writing workshop, to stimulate reflections on how to transform relationships with others and the world, while addressing economic, environmental, social, and political challenges of current times. Specifically, this writing retreat aims to encourage the participants to develop on-going writing projects (e.g. creative writing, poetry, book chapter, article, etc.), or initiate new ones, in an inspiring location and creative format. The retreat combines silent focused writing sessions (for an overall 13 hours) with inspirational talks, walking in the forest, bonfire circle time sharing sessions, close contact with the natural environment and meditation.

This initiative is a spin-off project of The Economy of Francesco, an international movement of young economists, entrepreneurs and change-makers engaged in a process of inclusive dialogue and young, vibrant, global change, moving towards a new economy). In the attempt to transform our individual and collective stories, we seek inspiration from the Franciscan tradition, which for centuries has impacted ethical, economic and social behaviours along notions such as ‘fraternity’, ‘poverty’ and by praising the ‘creation’ (Agamben, 2013;  Bruni, 2023; Rotondi & Santori, 2023;). Each day will be dedicated to one episode from Francis of Assisi’s life which will be explored through a short-lecture (1 h) by an invited speaker and a walking workshop conducted in a creative and non-frontal way.

The event will allow for space(s) to slow down your usual ‘life-tempo’, to listen and to re-attune with the natural surroundings in the heart of Østerdalen valley wild forest. It also wishes to deepen your personal writing and possibly inspire new projects in the near future, in continuation with the spirit of the retreat.

One of the distinctive features of this retreat is the possibility to experience meditation in various forms (including walking, spontaneous or organized ecumenical prayer, yoga, conversations) as a way to become more aware and attentive, while also nourishing one’s creative processes.

Therefore, this retreat serves as an opportunity to disconnect from one’s daily routine and reconnect with a broader sense of wonder and beauty. Participants will not only be writing chapters for their projects but also contributing to the creation of a new collective “chapter of history” envisioning a sustainable future and expressing it personally in one's own wor(l)d.

Why this workshop?

A paradigm shift is widely advocated worldwide, in and out academia, to alter our way of thinking, approaching, and acting towards more pluralistic, inclusive, and just practices (Braidotti, 2019; Price, 2023; Vetlesen, 2023). For the past few years, this awareness has already been inspiring a wave of initiatives, both on global and local scale, aiming at responding to overlapping urgencies. In this context, narratives are gaining attention as a potential transformative tool of culture, while writing has emerged as a powerful way to enact a deep change. In economic discourse, in particular, growing interest in 'narrative capital’ has underlined the potential of stories to influence behaviours, consumption patterns, and entrepreneurial visions.

It is along this line that the Wondering and Wandering writing retreat represents both a way to create a space for people to develop their own narrative capital, and to experiment new writing formats where theory and praxis blend in an experience of attachment with the natural oikos. We are inspired by the desire to create an economy that is not dependent on (unlimited) growth, but rather centred around the flourishing of all living beings; we believe that this effort should not be solely driven by frustration and pessimism, but also by joy and affirmation. Writing, therefore, is a creative answer to the current crisis. 

To whom is this retreat addressed?

This proposal is extended to people seeking an unconventional and immersive setting to develop their writing projects, aligned with the theme of the retreat. We aim to attract a diverse audience, including scholars, writers (both professional and amateur), students, and anyone intrigued by writing as a means of inquiry and exploration. We are interested in engaging with anyone who recognizes the transformative power of narrative and views writing as a profound undertaking deserving dedicated and focused time.

While writing can be seen as a personal activity, it does not have to be solitary: we encourage participants to actively partake in the collective activities offered by the retreat, including group writing sessions, walks, and shared bonfire reflections at the end of each day facilitated by the retreat’s organizers.

Where? 

The retreat takes place at Lia Gård, a farm near Lake Storsjøen, situated 240 km north of Oslo. The closest neighbour resides 4 km away, ensuring a tranquil setting in an astonishing scenery. The estate, encompassing the farm, is diverse, providing numerous opportunities for excursions.

With a history spanning many centuries, Lia Gård faced abandonment in the 1950s due to its remote location and operational challenges. In 1976, Ingeborg and Sigmund Bø breathed new life into the farm by establishing it as a retreat center. In recent years, their son Ingar and his wife Mareike have taken up residence at Lia Gård, contributing to its legacy while working and starting a family. Lia Gård today serves as a home to a Christian community, which also extends its accommodations to individuals of different faiths. 

Who organizes this retreat?

Although Lia Gård is the venue for the retreat, the Wondering and Wandering workshop is not directly organized by the estate. This retreat is designed and conducted by two postdoctoral researchers, Maria Jordet and Stefano Rozzoni, who explore education, ecology, narratives, and economics in their respective institutions and within The Economy of Francesco initiative.

All the people involved in the organization and conduction of this  project contribute voluntarily. Moreover, to keep the costs low, the fee of participation regards exclusively the covering of venue and food costs.

How is the retreat organized?

While none of the activities scheduled is mandatory, following the full programme is encouraged to ensure both the advancement of one's own project and a balance between focused, quality writing time and engaging the surrounding, fellow participants, and one's inner, spiritual dimension. The daily activities include:

• Early morning outdoor session

• Breakfast

• 1-hour inspirational talk by an invited speaker

• 1,30-hour focused writing session

• Lunch

• Walking workshop (outdoor activity in nature)

• (Early) dinner

• 1,30-hour writing session

• Bonfire sharing

• Optional 1-hour nocturnal writing session

These activities are interspersed with periods of free time, allowing participants to explore the natural surroundings or attending activities offered by Lia Gård.

Confirmed invited guests (The list of the confirmed guest speakers will be updated).

Accommodation and Meals

Vegetarian meals will be offered. Each day will begin with a generous breakfast buffet, from which to also prepare food for lunch (packed lunch), and in the late afternoon a warm dinner will be served. For any intolerances or other dietary requirements, please contact the organizers (contact below).

For this retreat, Lia Gård offers different accommodation options at different price:

• Option a) single room with private bathroom (for 1 person);

• Option b) double room with private bathroom (for 2 people);

• Option c) shared room with three or four people with shared bathroom. 

N.B. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences, and we will let you know the availability of your request with the confirmation of participation. Rooms are allocated on a first reserved, first served basis.

When

Arrival time: Wednesday 12th June, after lunch (after 14:00).

Departure: Sunday 16th June, after lunch (after 14:00)

The nearest train station is Koppang from where transport can be organised to reach Lia Gård on the 12th, as well as to reach the station from Lia Gårt on Sunday 16th when the retreat ends (for an additional fee of 150 NOK / 10 € overall).

Costs

The overall cost for participating in the retreat include:

- accommodation;

- meals (breakfast + packed lunch + warm dinner);

- all the activities taking place during the workshop.

Based on the accomodation options the cost is:

• Option a) 4500 NOK / 400 €

• Option b) 4000 NOK / 350 €

• Option c) 3500 NOK / 300 €

How to join?

Anyone  interested in joining the retreat is requested to fill in the following FORM, which includes the following information:

• Full Name (First Name, Surname)

• Email Address

• Year of birth

• Accommodation option (which will influence the overall price)

• Optional dietary requirements (considering that vegetarian meals will be served)

• Brief bio (150 words ca.)

• Description of the project you intend to develop during the retreat (50 words ca.)

• A few words on your motivation / why you are interested in this experience (150 words ca.)

• (Optional) Link to your website/digital platform/social media/artistic portfolio/any link providing insight into your interests and activities.

Participation grant

Thanks to an anonymous donor, we are in the position to offer some scholarships to support those in need to take part in the experience (especially people travelling from outside Europe, people facing financial difficulties, etc.).

The grant provides a contribution to cover the participation costs only.

To apply for the participation grant, please send to stefano.rozzoni@unibg.it and maria.jordet@inn.no

a) a letter including reasons for the requests financial aid;

b) a signed letter of recommendation on Headed paper; 

Applications will be selected and approved until all available places are filled. 

Reference List (and Suggested Readings)

Agamben, G. (2013). The highest poverty: Monastic rules and form-of-life. Stanford University Press.

Braidotti, R. (2019). Posthuman Knowledge. Polity Press.

Bruni, L. (2023). Capitalism and Christianity. Origins, Spirit, and Betrayal of Market Economy. Routledge.

Haraway, D. J. (2016). Staying with the trouble. Making Kin in the Chthulucene. Duke University Press.

Sæther, W. (2021). Ennå.  (LINK)

Pope Francis. (2024). Through the desert God leads us to Freedom (LINK)

Rotondi, V. and Santori P. (2022). Rethinking Economics Starting from the Commons. Springer International Publishing.

Vetlesen, A.J. (2019). Cosmologies of the Anthropocene: Panpsychism, Animism and the Limits of Posthumanism. Routledge

Vetlesen, A.J. (2023).  Animal Lives and Why They Matter. Routledge

Should you have any quesitons, please do not hesitate to contact:

Stefano Rozzoni: stefano.rozzoni@unibg.it

Maria Jordet: maria.jordet@inn.no