Taos Writing Retreat ~ January 5-9, 2026
Writing, reflection, meditation, movement …
come to Taos, New Mexico to cultivate your creativity and spirit in the new year!
Write in Community, Move with Intention
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Imagine it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you’re writing a memoir or fiction. Or beginning to work on a scholarly piece of writing. Or composing a new poem or song. Whatever your project, this retreat is for you. Begin the new year inspired by Taos sunrises and desert winds.
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Be it.
Make yourself and your craft a priority. Daily meditation and movement practices will guide you in your writing journey. Be grounded in your creativity, feeling nourished and supported in the midst of winter.
Writing is often a solitary experience. It can be difficult to be productive and practice self-care at the same time. I designed this retreat to offer writers like me a week to pause—to create community through meditation. Writers will gather to share space and engage in wellness practices designed to support writing goals and self-reflection.
The retreat schedule is rich and allows for flexibility. Daily meditation and movement sessions will open up our bodies and minds to be more creative and explorative in our writing. Breath and gentle movements will transform stagnant energy, restore balance, and cultivate self-compassion. Participants will use the self-guided writing sessions to write, reflect, and tune in to their own needs. With most meals included, you’ll be nourished throughout the day for uninterrupted writing.
The grounds at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House are spacious. Participants are encouraged to use writing sessions to write in their rooms or in other areas of the main house or retreat center. Several group activities are also planned to build community during our time together. I am thrilled to announce that award-winning author Tim Z. Hernandez will join us in our daily practice and lead a discussion on writing. Scheduled open mic nights provide additional space to share our work and enjoy late nights by the fire.
This week-long retreat is designed to support your spirit and creativity. As a teacher and practitioner of qigong, I have led workshops to destress and build internal energy flow—both essential elements for writers and deep thinkers. Begin the new year by setting an intention for you and your writing. Join me and Tim in Taos this January!
~ Michele Fazio, Ph.D.
Connection through Meditation
Featuring award-winning author Tim Z. Hernandez!
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Featuring award-winning author Tim Z. Hernandez! 〰️
Joining us on our writing journey will be award-winning author Tim Z. Hernandez. An Associate Professor in the University of Texas El Paso’s Bilingual M.F.A. in Creative Writing program, Tim has published numerous works, including All They Will Call You, They Call You Back, Some of the Light, and Mañana Means Heaven. He is currently working on the documentary, All They Will Call You: Searching For the Plane Crash at Los Gatos.
He will lead a discussion, “The Beautiful Chaos: A Contemplative Approach to Writing Creatively.”
Mabel Dodge Luhan House
You will stay at the renowned Mabel Dodge Luhan House, an historic adobe compound founded in the 1920s that sits at the edge of the Taos Pueblo. More than a retreat center, it’s living history—a salon of the creative and poetic, once home to notable 20th-century artists, musicians, writers, and intellectuals.
Taos has many shops, art galleries, and museums to see. Notable landmarks include the Taos Pueblo, Gorge Bridge, Earthships community, and the Ski Valley. Visit Taos for more information about these sites and other activities such as hiking and the local hot springs at Ojo Caliente. Participants will have afternoons and evenings to explore Taos and the surrounding communities on their own.
Be inspired by the place that brought together Willa Cather, D.H. Lawrence, Robinson Jeffers, Ansel Adams, Georgia O’Keefe, and many more to think, write, and create art.
What’s included:
4 nights/5 days at the historic Mabel Dodge Luhan House
Breakfast and lunch prepared each day by Chef Sophia (dietary needs will be considered)
Daily meditation & movement sessions (morning & afternoon)
Welcome & closing dinners
Daily refreshments including coffee, water, and tea are available throughout the day with afternoon cookies and pastries.
Discussion with award-winning author Tim Z. Hernandez
Live musical performances by Daniel Ouimet on Tuesday & Thursday evenings
Open Mic nights to share poetry, writing, and song
Check-In After 3:00 pm: Monday, January 5, 2026
Check-Out Before 10:30 am: Friday, January 9, 2026
Itinerary:
1/5 3 pm: Check in
3-6 pm: Settle in and/or explore on your own
6:30 pm: Welcome group dinner
7:30 pm: Fireside social & setting intentions
1/6 7:15-8 am: Morning meditation & movement
8-9 am: Breakfast
9:30-12 pm: Writing Session 1
12-1 pm: Lunch
1:30-2:30 pm: Discussion w/Tim Z. Hernandez
2:30-4:30 pm: Writing/Free time
5-6 pm: Afternoon meditation & movement
Dinner (on own)
8:30-9:30 pm: Live music
1/7 7:15-8 am: Morning meditation & movement
8-9 am: Breakfast
9:30-12 pm: Writing Session 2
12-1 pm: Lunch
1:30-4 pm: Writing/Free time
5-6 pm: Afternoon meditation & movement
Dinner (on own)
8-10 pm: Open Mic
1/8 7:15-8 am: Morning meditation & movement
8-9 am: Breakfast
9:30-12 pm: Writing Session 3
12-1 pm: Lunch
1:30-4 pm: Writing/Free time
5-6 pm: Afternoon meditation & movement
6:30: Closing group dinner
8-10 pm: Live music and Open Mic
1/9 7:15-8 am: Morning meditation & movement
8-9 am: Breakfast
10:30 am: Check out
Please note:
In keeping with the feel of Mabel’s era, there are no telephones, televisions, internet or alarm clocks in the guest rooms. A telephone and internet access are available in the common area of the Big House.
MDLH is not air-conditioned, but windows can be opened and fans are available. Please note that the kiva fireplaces in individual rooms are not currently in use. There is a large fireplace in the main house that we will gather around throughout the day and evening.
Taos is at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. Please contact your doctor before your arrival if you have any chronic health issues.
Two of the evenings are left open so you can enjoy exploring the amazing restaurants Taos has to offer.
Dress is casual in Taos and the weather can range from cool to comfortable so prepare accordingly. Bring comfortable walking shoes as the grounds at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House have uneven surfaces and the stairs leading to the retreat center are inconsistently spaced.
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Welcome to the Mabel Dodge Luhan House
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The grounds at Mabel Dodge Luhan House
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Meditation circle
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Living room in the main house
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Dining room
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Explore the surrounding area
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Morning sky
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Breakfast in the dining room
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Rooms with a view
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Welcoming spaces
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Relax in the living room by the fire
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Sunset
Write among snowy aspen trees and a brisk winter sky.
What to Know
When?
The retreat begins Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM with orientation and dinner. Check-in to your room begins at 3 PM. The retreat ends Friday, January 9, 2026 with breakfast. Check-out of your room by 10:30 AM.
Where?
Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, NM — an historic inn and conference center, renowned as a retreat for artists, actors, writers, and musicians for nearly a century.
How much does it cost?
The retreat costs ranges from $2200- $2500 USD depending on lodging. Price includes lodging, breakfast and lunch, introductory dinner on Sunday and closing dinner on Friday, and daily refreshments. SPACE IS LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS.
What is not included?
Participants will need to purchase their own airfare and ground transportation to Taos. Two dinners and tips are also not included. Travel insurance is recommended as deposits are not refundable or transferable.
Lodging Options?
You have a choice between private or shared lodging based on availability in either the Historic Main House or the Juniper House. Each of the rooms at Mabel Dodge Luhan House are decorated with a rustic, Southwestern charm and are located within a two minute walk to the retreat center. For a detailed description of individual rooms, click here.
How can I register?
Click here to reserve your space. After registering, you will receive access to an online intro session to discuss logistics, answer questions, and review itinerary on Sunday, December 14, 2025. EARLY DISCOUNT: $200 off when you register by October 15, 2025.
You may pay in full or email me to pay a $500 deposit to reserve your space by Oct. 15, 2025. The remaining balance will be due by or on November 15, 2025. I will reach out to you two weeks before then with your final invoice. If you are not paid in full by November 15, 2025, I reserve the right to offer your space to our waiting list and/or the public, and to retain your deposit.
What is the cancellation policy?
Because registration is highly limited to 12 participants and significant planning goes into this event, all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Should you need to cancel before November 15, 2025, you are responsible only for the $500 deposit. Those that paid in full will receive the remainder back as a refund. Any cancellation after November, 15, 2025 is non-refundable and you will forfeit 100% of the retreat cost.
All cancellations must be done in writing by emailing Michele at mia.qigonghealing@gmail.com.
In case of an emergency?
In the unlikely event that MIA QiGong has to cancel the retreat due to force majeure circumstances (including but not limited to death, illness, family emergency, natural disasters, acts of war, or other unforeseen events beyond MIA QiGong’s control), participants are required to claim any refundable costs through their travel insurance. Therefore, it is essential that you arrange comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage. While MIA QiGong will not be directly liable for refunding any payments made for the retreat, travel, transfer, or other associated costs, I will provide the necessary documentation and support to assist you in making a claim with your insurance provider. This clause does not affect your statutory rights under the United States consumer protection laws.
In the case of acts of pandemic, disaster, war, border closure or unforeseen circumstances, I reserve the right to retain your fees and reschedule or make any necessary changes to the event.
If you need to cancel your trip or cannot attend due to Covid 19 or if you must leave the event due to contracting Covid 19 or developing symptoms, MIA QiGong cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid. Travel insurance is strongly encouraged for attending MIA Qigong Taos 2026 to cover any complications, illnesses, or injuries that may occur. You will be required to sign a release form before attending the retreat.
Travel Tips?
NEAREST AIRPORTS
Arriving at the Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ) is approximately a 3 hour drive to the Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, NM.
Arriving at the Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) is approximately a 1.25 hour drive to the Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, NM.
Arriving at the Denver International Airport (DEN) is approximately a 5-6 hour drive to the Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, NM.
RENTAL CARS, SHUTTLES, & CAR POOLING
Your welcome email will contain a list of shuttle services that travel from the airports above to Taos.
Prior to attending, many participants may want to coordinate car pooling before/after the retreat. Please let me know if you are interested in doing so and I will help connect you.
If you prefer to NOT rent a car, the Mabel Dodge Luhan House is approximately a ten to fifteen minute easy walk to the historic Town Plaza where restaurants, shops, and museums are located.
Uber, Lyft, and Taxis have extremely limited availability in Taos.
ARRIVE EARLY / STAY LATE
The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is a popular retreat and conference center with events booked back-to-back throughout the year. If you wish to arrive early or stay later before or after MIA QiGong 2026, rooms at the MDL House will not be available. Instead, Taos offers many beautiful Airbnbs and hotels for your stay.
TRAVELING FROM OUTSIDE THE US
In most circumstances, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States, either from Canada or from other countries. There are, however, some exceptions to this situation. Click here for more information.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Click here for more information.