Combining expressive art with music and mindful meditation. Release, relax and re-discover yourself whilst being gently guided and nurtured.

Do you need a day just for you? One that gives you a break from that which clutters your mind… the ‘autopilot’ of life… demands that might sit ‘heavy on your shoulders’ and create tension in your body?

Discover a deeper connection … a sense of peace… uplifting of spirit by attending the “I am here” Creative Arts Retreat Day.

Guiding you into a meditative state…connecting with music…with colours, shapes and movement… you’ll soon realise how you can let go of things that you might not even find words for.

And, whilst this is all going on, it can ignite an innate creativity, helping you to discover new things about yourself that bring about inspiration and joy.

FEEL the colours, music, tastes and textures… release through them as I guide you.

Experience the journey of light through dark and open the door to joy.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Experience feelings of relaxation and calm, as well as meaningful connection – within yourself. Here is a short-list of reported benefits that many have experienced:

• A feeling of having let go of burdens
• Calm and collectedness
• Decreased anxiety
• A new clarity and feeling of self
• Improved energy levels
• Feelings of upliftment and joyful inspiration

These are just some of the benefits reported from clients and scientific studies carried out to determine the efficacy of meditation and therapeutic arts.

IS THIS DAY ABOUT MINDFULNESS?
The art of meditation is to be ‘in the here and now’ – slowing down and focusing on something simple like your breath or a guided visualisation.

The process of creating art is really quite similar – focusing only on the present moment.. noticing the feel of the tool you are using when it glides across the paper, how your hand adjusts to drawing different shapes and how the colours you use resonate with your energy.

So, in answer to the question… there certainly is an element of mindfulness to this. When you are truly in the zone of meditative art, you will be so absorbed in what you’re doing that everything else around you will fade away.

IS IT THE SAME AS ART THERAPY?
There are similarities but also fundamental differences. Artwork can still be viewed as a reflection or extension of a part of the one creating but unlike art therapy, mindful and meditative art does not analyse the finished product to discuss it – unless that is a particular wish of the participant.

It is more about the experience, creating something that simply put, is expressive or interesting – usually non-guided but allowing for a little guidance when part of a course such as this.

DO I NEED TO BE AN ARTIST?
No experience is required. The great thing about combining these two life-enhancing practices is that it doesn’t matter whether you are a ‘pro’ or a complete novice. Whilst there will be guidance in both modalities, the focus will be on self-reflection, connecting with colours, shapes and textures …allowing a flow of releasing and pleasing energy to emerge through these.

SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY
Ultimately, this will be a personal journey for you but you will also have my support as well as that of other participants – so my hope is that as each we progress through each part, you will be inspired to further explore your own creative expression. Use it as a therapeutic tool you can return to time and time again, so that you can experience a greater state of calm and also strengthen your awareness of the present moment.

SETTING:
A safe and nurturing home environment that emits the balancing and harmonising ambience of the energy-healing art therein. Set in a semi-rural area, close to woodland and open fields.
This retreat day is especially designed to serve just a small group of ladies who wish to be gently guided, nourished with a healing environment and who like having a personal touch to their day.

Warm, comfortable and cozy… yet you will notice a sense of light – not just coming in from the outside but from the atmosphere inside too. You will have the freedom to go between the rooms and have space for yourself whilst enjoying meditative and mindful moments.