Author Nick Flynn suggests feeling sadness can be useful in teaching us how to empathize with others who are suffering.
When first approaching the idea of writing our memoir, says acclaimed poet, memoirist, and playwright Nick Flynn, we often write what we believe is our unique autobiography—but as we press on, we discover that our story is connected to everyone’s story, and only then can we access the deeper mysteries of life.
Under Flynn’s guidance, we look for those moments when we begin to stutter and stumble when talking about our projects, and push more deeply into the shadows, into the unknown of our misremembered past. We wrestle with these deeper mysteries as well as the concept of bewilderment, and how we can embody both in our memoirs—through syntax, our access to the duende, leaps into the unconscious, or simply circling around what is unsaid, unknown, and unrealized.
Come with a willingness to push deeper into this shadow world, and an openness to question why you tell the particular stories about your life that you do.
Things To Bring
A list of things to bring will be sent upon registration.
Schedule
| SUNDAY | |
|---|---|
| 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Check In (Rooms available after 5:00 p.m.) |
| 7:30 p.m.–7:50 p.m. | Welcome & Orientation |
| MONDAY | |
| 8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. | Commuter check-in (if not checked-in the previous evening) |
| 9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop |
| 2:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Workshop |
| TUESDAY | |
| 9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop |
| 2:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Workshop |
| WEDNESDAY | |
| 9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop |
| THURSDAY | |
| 9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop |
| 2:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Workshop |
| FRIDAY | |
| 9:00 a.m.–Noon | Workshop |
| 1:00 p.m. | Check Out |
The above schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the faculty.
The Children's Program will not be available for this workshop.
Dining Hall Hours (Meals begin with dinner on arrival day and end with lunch on departure day.):
Breakfast: 7:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
Lunch: Noon–2:00 p.m.
Dinner: 6:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m.
Daily Open Classes in meditation, yoga, tai chi, or movement (subject to availability):
7:00–8:00 a.m., 12:15–1:00 p.m., 5:30–6:15 p.m., 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Tuition & Fees
| Title | Price |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
Memoir as Bewilderment |
$345
regular
$385
|
Tuition covers your workshop costs and time spent in class with the faculty. Please see Stay With Us below for accommodation choices—which include meals and other amenities for those who wish to stay with us. Or see Commute for those who will not be staying on campus overnight.
Accommodations cover your room, all meals, and use of amenities and facilities—which includes optional classes, evening performances, sampler classes (during the week), the lake, walking trails, parking, and all other guest services. A list of local hotels and inns is available for those who wish to stay off-campus and commute (see Commute below).
The commuter fee includes the benefits of our unique All-Inclusive Stay, without the cost of accommodations. A list of Local Hotels and Inns is available.
1 Night/Per Person Rates
| Friday or Saturday | Sunday-Thursday | 7-Night Stay |
|---|---|---|
| $ 55.00 | $ 45.00 | $ 40.00 |
Rhinebeck Campus
Omega reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. If Omega cancels a program, you will receive a full refund.
Refunds are available (less a $55 processing fee) up to eight days before your program or stay.
Nonrefundable credit toward a future Omega program or stay (less a $55 processing fee) is available if you give notice between seven and one day(s) before your program or stay. Credit may be applied to any Omega program or stay for one year following date of issue.
No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the arrival day; if you do not show up; or if you leave an event early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.
For more cancellation policies, see individual workshops or the more detailed Omega Cancellations & Refund Policies page.
Travel Insurance
Program Insurance is available through TravMark's A+ Program Protection Plans. Get a free quote today.
Continuing Education
| Certificate of Attendance | $25 |
