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 the interconnectedness of economic, environmental, social, and political (among other) 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 organized, original format. 

The retreat, which has now reached the second edition, combines moments of silence, focused writing sessions, brief inspirational talks, walking in the forest, bonfire circle time sharing, close contact with the natural environment and meditation.

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.

Why Francis of Assisi?

Wondering and Wandering is a spin-off project of The Economy of Francesco, an international movement of young economists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers active since 2019. It is dedicated to developing new ways of understanding and practicing economics, inspired by the legacy of Francis of Assisi, spanning areas such as research, business, cultural events, and education.

Theories and practices rooted in the Franciscan tradition have deeply influenced ethical, economic, and social behaviors, through notions such as fraternity, poverty, and the praising of the creation, as reflected in the words of Francis himself (Agamben, 2013; Bruni, 2023; Rotondi & Santori, 2023). In resonance with the charisma of Francis, the Franciscans throughout centuries developed innovative economic initiatives, still remembered as milestone in the history of economics, such as the earliest credit institutions to combat medieval usury, such as the Monti di Pietà and Monti Frumentari. Or, one can think of modern accounting practices (e.g., Pacioli) or even the formulation of economic theories that remain relevant for ethical perspectives on economic systems (es. Duns Scoto). These and other contributions (yet to come) were highlighted by Pope Francis in 2019 in the launching of the EoF movement to “to change today’s economy and to give a soul to the economy of tomorrow” where leading economists collaborate to explore these enduring principles.

Why this workshop…now?

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, studies, policies and changes both on global and local scale, aiming at responding to overlapping urgencies. In this context, narratives and storytelling activities 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.

To whom is this retreat addressed?

This proposal is extended to people seeking an unconventional, protected, and immersive setting to develop their writing projects, aligned with the theme of the retreat. This retreat is for thinkers seeking a structured programme which combines silence and community time with desire to eventually embark on that project, long left aside, but which is calling for coming to the world. 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.

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:

• Optional 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.

Invited guests 

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 11th June, after lunch (after 14:00).

Departure: Sunday 15th June, after lunch (after 14:00)

The nearest train station is Koppang from where transport can be organised to reach Lia Gård on the 11th, as well as to reach the station from Lia Gårt on Sunday 16th when the retreat ends (for an additional fee of 100 NOK / 10 € overall each way).

Costs

The overall cost for participating in the retreat include:

- accommodation;

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

- coffee/tea breaks and cake

- all the activities taking place during the workshop.

Based on the accomodation options the cost is:

• Option a) 4700 NOK / 410 €

• Option b) 4200 NOK / 360 €

• Option c) 3700 NOK / 310 €

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

We are currently in the process of ensuring a 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 will (hopefully) provide a contribution to cover the participation costs only.

While the scholarship is not yet confirmed, 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. 

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

Stefano Rozzoni: stefano.rozzoni@unibg.it

Maria Jordet: maria.jordet@inn.no