the beauty of retreat
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There are certain moments in life that become milestones. You use them to measure the passing of time, like you use the days of the week or the hours on a clock. Holidays, birthdays, new years can be like that. For me, art retreats have become a measurement of how far I have traveled.
When I was shy and unsure of myself I was standing on the edge of
for the very first time. A whole new world of creative possibilities spilled open for me. Standing amidst that beauty I vowed to myself that some way, somehow I would incorporate into my life one art retreat a year.
In 2009 I hoped on a plane and traveled all the way across the country to
. I discovered bravery inside me that I did not even know existed. I sat amongst a group of women and openly shared my writing. Through their love and support the seed that I may be a writer was planted.
It wasn't until the following year when I was standing alongside the
on the east coast that I knew and felt deep within that yes, I am a writer indeed. Fabulous women surrounding me. Laughter bubbling up. Beautiful sunrises calming my soul. Magic swirling, swirling, swirling.
In 2011 I worked with two others to create a
to sink deeply into. Gathered in the warm sunlight of Sedona Arizona I witnessed firsthand dreams coming true. Connections blossoming. Life unfolding beautifully to the music of my own creation. A divine bonus moment in time.
Later that year I traveled back to the
. A bit battered, unraveled, vulnerable. I was held gently. Created passionately. Healing words poured from my heart. Deep conversation and creating long into the night fueled my spirit.
This year I went
to the place it all began five years ago. I stood at the edge of the lake; strong, confidante, happy, open. My heart overflowing with love and support. Soulful conversations spilled open. I felt seen for me, exactly as I am.
Each year has stretched me in so many unexpected ways. Growing, healing, giving, learning. All of it guiding me back to me. Providing me a space to retreat. A place to heal. A moment to just be, as I am. My life has been forever changed by each of these little getaways. The destination doesn't matter. What is important is the journey that it takes to get there, the openness to just be there, and the courage to keep that fire burning throughout the year.
When you are passionate about something and you gather with individuals who are passionate about the same thing.....magic....pure magic happens. You can't control how wide it will expand, or how deeply you will be touched. All you can do is stand in it, soak it all in, and say yes.
between two worlds
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My mind is struggling to focus
Pain running through my body from sitting in this seat
Dust falling onto the pile of work
Unable to begin
Ideas in my mind are blooming
Jotting notes down
Reaching out for advice
Wanting to begin, right this moment
Caught between two worlds
Getting pulled and pushed
Struggling to navigate both paths
Seeking balance between the two worlds
right there in person
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Deep in the woods of New Hampshire at Squam Arts Workshops I got to meet some of the amazing individuals who participated in the Love Notes Post Card project. It was a surreal experience for me.
I stood face to face with individuals who never knew me, but took a chance on me and my idea. It was amazing to get to hug them and chat with them and to hear in person their enthusiasm for the project. My one regret is not getting a photo with each of them.
I am feeling so deeply blessed and blown away. Who knew that one little idea would end up meaning so much to me and touching the lives of others.
The project will be happening again....and I look forward to it. I hope you will join in when it begins.
returning :: re-entering :: reflecting
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I just spent five magical days in the woods of New Hampshire gathering with friends and like minded souls. Stories were shared, dreams nurtured, words of love circling around. Something powerful happens when individuals gather. You see it at sporting events, feel the electricity at a concert, and even come upon it deep in the woods.
I entered these same woods five years ago ~ shy ~ quiet ~ unsure of myself ~ not knowing who I was. This time I emerged ~ grounded ~ strong ~ glowing ~ with a strong sense of who I am. It is beautiful to look back on the journey. To see where I was those five years ago and feel the strength, love, and courage I know embody. I am blessed to have witnesses to these moments. Individuals who were there five years ago and who stand beside me today, reflecting back to me all that has evolved.
I have many stories about moments in the woods. Words rolling around in my head that I want to share with you. But for now I will leave you with some words dear friends of mine have written. Hop on over to there sites as they eloquently share what it was like to gather, to be seen, to show up, and to just be.
** Mindy Lacefield ~ Squam
** Wish Studio ~ truly madly deeply :: postcards from Squam
