A Maritime writers retreat and a labyrinth

Looking at the circular shape of the labyrinth on the lawn at the Tatamagouche Centre, I’m hoping my writing does more than go around in circles while I’m here. I’m in Tatamagoughe, on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. at an independent writers retreat.

Tatamagouche is an educational and spiritual centre operated by the United Church of Canada. It offers a place of learning, creativity and renewal and is open to lay people of all denominations and faiths. I was lucky enough to get a bursary to attend its writers retreat.

One of the highlights of the facility, in addition to its 15 acres overlooking Tatamagouche Bay, is a large labyrinth in front of the main building. Modeled on Chartres Cathedral in France, the Tatamagouche labyrinth has eleven concentric circles around a six-petal centre, called the “Flower of Aphrodite.” It is a sacred design used as a tool for meditation and spiritual journey.

Historic Stevens House  is my temporary home

It’s been a journey for me to get here. Nova Scotia is a long way from Toronto and an even longer distance from Guatemala, where I was just a few weeks ago. But there is a close connection between the two. Among its many programs, Tatamagoughe offers Breaking the Silence, a Maritime solidarity network supporting the efforts of Guatemalans struggling for political, social, economic and environmental justice. They do advocacy and lobbying, organize delegations, send interns and human rights accompaniers and promote fairly-traded products such as coffee and crafts. And my book is set in Guatemala. Learn about my connection and get some travel tips in How to Travel Safely in Guatemala. 

Tatamagouche’s retreats are intended to provide rest, renewals and spiritual deepening to equip people to better engage in service and transformation in the world. No cell phone service and no wireless signal in my cottage, the historic Stevens House. The 150 year old property overlooks the fork of two rivers and is surrounded by huge red oak and white birch trees. I pass an apple orchard and ancient black locust trees on my way to the dining hall.

Blue Sea beach at Malagash

When not writing, I can hike a portion of the Trans Canada, called the Butter Trail (named after the area’s creamery industry), or swim in the warm salty waters of Blue Sea Beach, where marsh grass and gentle waves lap the shore. It’s so meditative I may not even need to walk the labyrinth.