Summer 2019, August 29^{th –} September 1^rst, Pelion

A unique writing retreat in Greece designed by the psychologist and author Dimitra Didangelou to help you to enrich your self-connection through writing and nourish your soul, mind and body. A creative oasis for self- renewal and mental well-being.

Dimitra’s approach through expressive writing techniques encourages life reflection, self-exploration and creative expansion.

The workshops are useful for all individuals, while the practice of expressive writing can particularly benefit those seeking to gain insight into their inner lives, increase self-awareness, listen to their inner voice and connect with their full creative potential.

Here are some activities you can expect from your retreat:

• Daily workshops on expressive writing in natural landscapes
• One-on-one session with Dimitra
• Haiku writing
• Meaningful structured conversations on subjects inspired by the ancient Greek philosophy
• Excursions to the astonishing beaches, yoga, acupuncture, massages, horse riding, swimming, hiking available onsite
• Dinners with delicious local dishes and wine

The retreat will be held in English.

With places limited to 12 participants, it’s a good idea to secure your place early!
For bookings contact dimitra@expressingmyself.org

WHAT MAKES THIS RETREAT SPECIAL

The content

The more you know about yourself, the richer your inner life becomes. Through specific writing tools and methods developed by experts (Dr. Pennebaker, Adams, Progoff, Thompson etc), expressive writing helps us to get in touch with our feelings and thoughts. Expressing the feelings and thoughts through writing allows us to tune into our inner life and enriches our ability to self-inspire. Workshops are designed to help us identify where our blockages stem from and give us the strength to overcome them.

The practice of expressive writing focuses entirely on tapping into our inner selves, without any concern for narrative structure or grammar rules. There is no right or wrong answer. Expressive writing can be practiced by anyone, at any stage of their life.

For more information, read our FAQ about Expressive Writing.

Here is what some of the past participants have to say about Dimitra’s workshops:

The exercises opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about my work, and myself. From the first session, I felt I was already a step forward in discovering newfound enjoyment and confidence in my writing. The workshops were so practical and flexible that I could adapt them to my specific needs.
S.B., Prague

Dimitra provided me with deeply insightful advice on the best way to proceed with the writing of a deeply personal memoir and on the struggles that come with it.
S.A., Berlin

I hugely enjoyed the one-on-one session with Dimitra. She is a great listener, and knows how to ask all the right questions to get you thinking about your own writing process. I finished the session feeling very motivated and with new insights and perspectives relating to present and future work. Perfect!
M.H., Berlin

Freedom, revelation, catharsis. I felt like I got the pen down to my soul and then I imprinted it onto paper. And then, I faced the truth that finally was inside me. I saw, on the paper, me, in my most authentic form.
Th. K., Cyprus

The Host

Dimitra Didangelou  is a psychologist MSc, science journalist and author. After filling thousands of pages for personal and professional purposes, she quickly discovered the power of the written word. Her specialization is therapeutic and expressive writing, helping people gain insight into their lives, listen to their inner voice and enhance their creativity.

Alongside founding and editing a web-magazine that explores psychology, she is the founder of “Expressing MySelf Institute” offering therapeutic writing workshops and sessions.

She loves writing fiction based on real stories because she believes that the unbelievable stories life brings in surpass even the most powerful imagination.

Her training includes Advanced Study in Therapeutic Writing (The Center for Journal Writing in Denver, CO, USA), an MSc in Psychology and the Mass Media, a BA in Psychology and a Certificate in Philosophical Counseling and Psychotherapy.

Dimitra is a published novelist and her short stories have been distinguished in many writing contests.

See Dimitra’s TED speech here

Learn more about Dimitra here.

The location

The retreat will take place in Pelion peninsula, one of Greece’s most undiscovered areas, the homeland of mythic Chiron Centaurus, tutor of many ancient Greek heroes and healer. Pelion is in the Greek mainland, which is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, forests and hiking trails in Greece. You will be accommodated in Pinakates, a hidden gem in the mountainous hills, village of less than 200 inhabitants, one of whom is Dimitra. We will organise your trip from the airport to the village, where you will stay in the traditional stone houses typical of the region. The place is surrounded by forests paved with hiking trails and in 20’ driving distance there are beaches with crystal clear water and traditional fishing villages. Workshops will take place in a variety of spectacular natural scenery.

“I thought I knew Greece, but I had never heard of Pelion until friends told me about the simple stone house they were staying in, the perfect swimming, the unripened food, the joys of pine- and olive-covered slopes and deserted pebble beaches. When they went on about it as a forgotten corner of Greece, I thought maybe they were exaggerating. But they weren’t”, writes Anthony Sattin on CONDE NAST TRAVELLER.
Read the whole article here. 

The low- cost:

Early Birds until 30/4 extension to 30/5: 490€/per person (double room shared)
After 1/5: 540€/per person (double room shared)
For Single Room: extra 200€

For bookings contact Dimitra at
dimitra@expressingmyself.org

In order to hold your place, there is a non-refundable deposit of 250€ (included in the total price). The balance of the fees will be due on July 31st. Once paid, fees are non-refundable except in the event of our cancellation.

Accommodation is based on two sharing in a twin room. If you’d like your own room, there’s a single supplement of €200. You can book with a friend and we’ll put you in a room together or we’ll match you with someone.

The accommodation will be in a family run traditional guest house. Each studio is independent with a private bathroom and a private kitchen. Note that there is no internet connection in the guest house, but there is wifi at the coffee shops and the taverns.

Space for workshops is limited to 12 participants to ensure lots of individual support and a nourishing environment.

Included in the price:

• Bed and breakfast
• One individual session with Dimitra
• Workshops with Dimitra in a natural environment (including transportation to the beach)
• Haiku writing and walking workshop
• Various evening events, including guided conversations and open-air cinema
• Welcome dinner and drinks
• Snacks and material during the workshops

Not Included:

• Airfares
• Transfers from/to the airport (we can organise it or book a taxi for you)
• Travel Insurance
• Meals, with the exception of the welcome dinner (in the village there are three taverns which serve local traditional dishes and two coffee-shops with snacks. You can have a meal between €5-10).

Optional Extras:

• Yoga
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Horse Riding
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Ride with the traditional steam train

For bookings contact dimitra@expressingmyself.org

How to come

We recommend first checking the flights to the closest airport of Volos (45′ from Pinakates) where Easy Jet has cheap flights: http://www.thessalyairport.gr/en/

Flights go to either Athens (4 hours driving to Pinakates) or Thessaloniki (2,5 hours).

Both Athens and Thessaloniki are nice cities to spend some time or days. The nearest city to Pinakates is Volos, about 40’ driving and there is a connection to Pinakates by  bus: http://ktelvolou.gr/en/home/

We can organize your transportation from/to the airport or book a taxi just for you or shared.

What else?

Video from previous retreats HERE.

This is a good guide to the region.

If you want to combine your retreat with a before or after vacation in Greece, ask Dimitra for recommendations!

For bookings contact dimitra@expressingmyself.org

“Freedom, revelation, catharsis” 
T.K., Cyprus

The post Writing Retreat in Greece – Summer 2019 appeared first on Expressing MySelf Institute.

Start by discovering some of the ways you can fill your life with new inspiration:

• Digital Detox & Nature Connection
• Gratitude Retreat
• Find Your Muse
• Expressive Writing Retreat

To discuss a personalised experience or organise one as part of a group or institution, you can contact Dimitra via email at dimitra@expressingmyself.org
or WhatsApp +32495660113,  +30 694 854 9865 

See the Summer 2023  retreat here!

A Glimpse of Pelion 

The Pelion peninsula in the Greek mainland is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, forests and hiking trails in Greece. The village of Pinakates is a hidden gem in the mountainous hills, a village of fewer than 200 inhabitants, one of whom is Dimitra when she is not traveling to give workshops, along with her husband and dog.

In Greek mythology, Pelion is referred to as ‘the pass of gods and heroes’. It was the homeland of Chiron the wise Centaurus, tutor of many ancient Greek heroes and healer. This place Dimitra selected as her home and your retreat destination for its breathtaking natural surroundings which inspire relaxation, profound reflection and peace of mind.
You can see it on the map here.

Choose Your Retreat

Whether you are seeking to take a break from the noise of everyday life, deepen your self-connection or simply get your creative juices flowing, we have a retreat for you.

Digital Detox & Nature Connection

The purpose of a digital detox is to give you the opportunity to disconnect from tech and reconnect with nature. Workshops take place within Pelion’s stimulating natural environments, with vast views of the Aegean Sea and boundless forested slopes paved with trekking trails. You will have workshops and one-on-one sessions with Dimitra and practice bilbliotherapy, which is the act of reading for therapeutic purposes. Immersion in the quietude and serenity of your natural surroundings will help to reawaken your inner voice and expand your creative potential. You will also have access to yoga instructors, massages and acupuncture sessions if desired. This retreat is designed for anybody who seeks deeper self-connection, connection with nature and a physically, mentally and spiritually vital experience.

Find Your Muse

In addition to its unique landscapes, Pelion is a region rich in mythology. It is here that Olympus gods chose to take refuge in the summer, which is not surprising considering all there is on offer. Beyond the inspiring history, daily excursions into the forest and sea will rouse your imagination. Delicious local dishes renowned across the nation will serve as your food for thought. Best of all, Dimitra’s expressive writing workshops will help you use the inspiration of your surroundings to get over your inner critic, overcome the self-doubt that leads to creative blockages, fight procrastination and express your authentic self. This retreat is for creative practitioners, writers, and artists from all fields and backgrounds who want to expand their creativity.

Gratitude Retreat

A gratitude retreat is ideal for individuals, families or groups who wish to strengthen their bonds with one another. As individuals, you will learn practical methods of embracing and valuing the positive forces in your life. These learnings can be useful tools for team-building or deepening personal relationships, enriching your inner experience far beyond the bounds of the retreat. In the end, you will take home with you a personal or group gratitude journal as a reminder of your practice. To find out more about the power of gratitude, read our article A thank you for everyday.

Personalised Experience

Can’t find exactly what you are looking for? Individuals, groups and institutions are welcome to get in touch to design their own custom retreat.

To discuss a personalised experience or organise one as part of a group or institution, you can contact Dimitra via email at dimitra@expressingmyself.org
or WhatsApp +32495660113,  +30 694 854 9865 

Watch a video from previous retreats here:

The post Inspirational Retreats in Greece appeared first on Expressing MySelf Institute.