Take a break from it all….at least every once in awhile.
Sometimes it’s in the form of an organized workshop or retreat, sometimes it’s like-minded friends getting together for a few days, and sometimes it’s an afternoon by yourself in the woods. It really doesn’t matter, what’s important is finding a space to get clarity and your creative energy flowing.
It’s no secret that I love being an entrepreneur just as much as being an artist. So for me three fabulous days in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado with like-minded friends, hashing through business ideas and deciding creative directions is a little bit of heaven. We meditated, worked on vision boards, photographed Norwegian Fjord Horses, plowed through grant applications, and talked about our work.
I came home with a roadmap that allows me to see where I’m going. I connected with myself and with my fears. It’s easy for me to get my priorities ‘out-of-wack’ and the time away helped me put them back into perspective. I hit the ‘pause button’ on all the mumbo jumbo going on in my head and was able to reconnect all my loose ends.
It had been years – almost 35 – since I had done a vision board. And I have to admit that I wasn’t having much luck initially combing through magazines and finding what spoke to me. But I brought the bits and pieces home and have since worked on it some more. It’s fascinating to watch how it all comes together and suddenly I have a single poster board that represents what I want in my new studio space.
The time away gave me the space to get clear. To think about where I want to go and what I want to do. And to realize that my job is to simply keep believing in myself and to keep plugging away.
I also came away being incredibly grateful for my friends Suzanne and Kat. We all knew each other from previous photo workshops but all three of us had never been all together. What unbelievably interesting, unique, and supportive friends they are. In them I have found my posse.
Of course, we can never expect to get all the answers to all our questions in one three-day period. But sometimes you’d be surprised at the answers you can receive. And if you get clear, set the intention right, the answers can be huge.
Before deciding on a retreat/workshop or even walk in the woods it’s always good to know your intention. Are you looking for something relaxing or challenging? Do you want to focus within or outside yourself? Are you looking to learn something new or just gain clarity? Do you need to shut off from the world or be ignited by others? As with everything in life, the choice is yours.
For me, I’m already planning my next venture – a week-long equine photo workshop in WY with the amazingly and inspiring Tony Stromberg. This time it will be all about discovery. Of myself, of others, of a new place, of new tips and tricks, of new images…..and hopefully of a cowboy or two!
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. What do you do to retreat?
Please pass this along to your friends who might be interested in photo encaustic.
Be well….be creative,
+++++
P.S. Click to learn more about photo encaustic classes, courses, and workshops.
Approximately once a month, my mother, husband and friends get together at someone’s house for sew day. We’re quilters, so we work on our own projects or help with someone else’s. it helps to see a project that needs progress. About once a year, my husband and I go for a few days to another town and quilt or paint or both. It’s good to get away from our usual routine and demands to see more of the big picture. Good luck with your progress. I’m going to steal the planning idea you mentioned.
I love that you get together on a monthly basis. It’s so crucial to get feedback from people that you trust. It’s just as important as getting away from the usual routine. And yes, please steal any ideas that work for you:)