I am back from an incredible Creativity and Freedom Retreat in Italy--and I'm excited to share some of the experience with you.
First, I want to tell you that during the time leading up to the retreat in Italy, I had a shadow thought lurking in the back of my mind, "Who do I think I am to put on a retreat in Italy?" I had never been there, I wasn't a regular international traveller, I was reaching too far, etc. etc.
Do you know what completely silenced that thought? Putting on a retreat in Italy. (LOL) A few moments into the trip, this old pattern of thought came up, and yet it was silenced by, "I AM putting on a retreat in Italy!" So, ready or not, qualified or not, good enough or not. It was happening.
With much thanks to my co-leader Martha Pitcairn from Ignition Academy, and our fearless partner in all things local and delicious Erica Cantley, the Creativity and Freedom Retreat was an absolute dream come true. In fact it was so exquisitely joyful I notice it is taking me longer than expected to put words to it.
The trip was amazing, the incredible connections with the women present, the breathtaking views that made everything magic, the serenity of being in Umbria, the scrumptious food (hello fresh pressed Olive Oil from La Segreta), the delightful cadence of people speaking Italian nearby, and the adventures in Assisi and Rome.
One part of the experience that will stay with me always is the deep sense of fulfillment of getting to show up and do what I LOVE and helping 12 brave women step up to blank canvases. The opportunity to share my passion for creativity, the ways that I break through creative barriers and encourage others to do the same--and then watching them actually play along and go for it--was absolutely stunning. To do this in such a gorgeous environment was thrilling beyond compare. We challenged participants to various stretches of silent painting time and not only did they play along, but they had breakthroughs. Participants felt the transformative power of showing up in a creative space.
Here are some of the things women said to me during the week,
"This is the kindest I've ever been to myself."
"I felt total freedom from the judger."
"After a long period of grief, I felt like I was returning to fun."
"The peace washed over me."
"Painting felt like an act of love."
"I got free from the burden of awareness and always carrying for everyone around me. I got lost in the present moment."
When I share the experience of painting with others, I do not expect that they will experience the freedom and bliss I feel...and yet I sure do HOPE for it. Hearing these anecdotes emerge during the week brought me such profound joy.
If you follow my work and coaching style you know that I create for the process and don't emphasize the product. In Italy we worked in a compliment free zone. We worked with the mantra "I'm new to this." We worked with an inner smile. We worked with the intention to be as kind as possible to any part of the experience. And as you know if you've stepped into creativity of any form, the shadow thoughts are there waiting for you! And yet like shadows themselves, they are powerless when you move--when you take action! When you paint anyway. They cannot hold you back once you stop giving them any power.
As I transition from this adventure in Italy back to life at home I hope to carry forward with me the power of this experience. I long to share these lessons with my children, that following a dream is worth it, that community is powerful, that freedom and creativity are contagious. Though I miss the adventure of it all, I am also happy to be back in the comfort and connection of family, home, routine I hope to return to my studio space this week and begin work on Italy-inspired large canvases--stay tuned!