Your Inner Artist

isn’t it about time to get re-acquainted with your inner artist? what – didn’t know you had one?? highly unlikely!! remember those days as a child when you played, drew, painted, cut and pasted with abandon? and you proudly showed your work to your mom or your teacher? you weren’t worried about form or line or color or perfection – it was the process that was exhilarating! and the fact that you yourself created something from nothing and it was totally unique, never before seen by any other human being! stop what you’re doing – right now – and try to remember that feeling!

that’s what this long weekend will be about. recapturing the desire to create, whatever your medium might be. whether it’s painting or decorating or cooking or gardening or photography or……well, you get the idea. it’s amazing what can happen when you get together in the company of others who are wanting to rekindle their own sparks. it’s something i can’t tell you in words. you just have to experience it for yourself!!

and what better place to experience it than high atop mt. palomar at a gorgeous mountain lodge set in the pine trees. the retreat experience will begin well before the retreat itself as i will be sending out (optional) “homework” assignments to get you thinking about the topics we will explore together.

 

• read all 4 posts (especially the welcome one) and check the pages listed upper right for complete retreat details.

• for a more detailed description of shiva nata, check elizabeth’s post about it.

• any questions?? just ask!!

 

Permission

Dave Storer says, "We are all born with incredible creative abilities, and few things in life make us happier than fully engaging those abilities.  To let a belief that we haven't the proper "permission" - from either society, family and friends, or ourselves - stop us from developing our creative abilities and expressing our deepest, truest selves in the best creative way we know how would be a terrible loss."

Do you struggle (as so many of us do!) with giving yourself permission to do the things you really love? We all have so many responsibilities it seems, so many things that need our attention, so many things that are unfinished. It can be really difficult to let those things go even for a short time and step away into a space that is different. But different in a good way! Nourishing. Positive. Enriching.


I so believe in the truth of the quote above. Once you have mustered the courage to give yourself that needed permission and do allow yourself to step away, there is no turning back. The mystery that awaits you is powerful. It will change you in ways that you can’t yet imagine. I know this is true!

look forward to hearing from you!!

patty@nomadicnotebook.com

(as always - all photos taken in the area of the retreat)

July Updates

I’ll be on the road for a bit, but wanted to share some exciting updates regarding the October retreat before I go:

Only 5 spots left for this retreat!!

I know some of you are unfamiliar with Shiva Nata (me too!) Here is Elizabeth’s own brief explanation:

 “Shiva Nata is a form of movement that restructures and creates new neural connections in your brain. It's probably useful to know that it's really challenging, but it's also a practice where if you're doing it wrong, you're really doing it right. And the new neural connections can help you generate ideas and insights, which is wonderful and addictive.”

Sounds intriguing, yes?? I can’t wait to learn more!

Long-time friend and longer-time artist Carole Lee will be joining us and will be sharing some of her wisdom.

I've added a "Why I'm Doing This" page that you may find of interest.

Scroll down to read the other information about the upcoming retreat.  Be sure to become a follower if you would like to receive further updates.

I'll be in some remote areas while I'm gone, but I will respond to any emails eventually.

Thank you so much for stopping!!

Welcome!!

• Is it time you did something just for you?
• Do you long for connection, conversation and support beyond the small talk level?
• Do you feel a desire to connect with nature?
• Do you long to step away from your life for a brief time?
• Do you want to explore new ideas and techniques for creative expression in a supportive environment?

If you answered "yes",

then you have come to the right place!!

Welcome to the Space Between!! You may recognize this title from a great Dave Matthews song, but it is also the chosen title for a very special experience. It represents the space that you give to yourself between the constant demands of your everyday life. A space in which you not only step away from those demands, but in which you expand your personal experience, nourish your body, mind and spirit in a beautiful and peaceful natural setting and connect with other like-mined souls. If you have not yet had an opportunity like this, you are in for a treat!!

The retreats take place at a luxurious mountain lodge high atop Mt. Palomar, in northeast San Diego County. There are 8 acres to explore, providing plenty of space for roaming, but we are also right down the road from the Palomar Mountain State Park and its network of hiking trails. Time is scheduled in a way that provides structure to the retreat, but plenty of free time is built in as well. With no more than 10 women, the retreats are intimate and comfortable.

We are currently setting up the fall retreat which will take place October 21 – 23, 2010, with the option for an additional night of mostly open-ended time.

 Our regular activities include:


Hiking
Photography
Journaling
Self-Discovery exercises
Poetry
Inspirational Powerpoints
Structured and unstructured sharing
Soul Collage-type activity
Preparation "homework"

For this retreat, we are also hoping to incorporate:

Gourd Art with Carolyn Wolf-Russell
Shiva Nata with Elizabeth Halt

Pricing information here.

I hope that you will consider joining us!  We still have a few spots available for this retreat.  Please email me with any questions or to save a spot.
patty@nomadicnotebook.com

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