…exploring chakras, discovering creativity
Fall, 2012
All of us are guided in some way. Whether you call that guidance your Higher Power, God, Spirit or simply your deepest knowing, you call on it in times of need, in times of joy and in times of creativity. Artists typically call this process of inspiration, guidance or serendipity their Muse. They know that the Muse can be fickle, demanding and rewarding. And they know that they must make time in their lives to feed the Muse if they want to keep being nourished by it.
Feeding the Muse retreat is an opportunity for you to nourish that aspect of yourself that keeps your life alive, vibrant and creative. We use a custom process of working with the chakras to stimulate, explore and stretch ourselves, feeding the Muse in the process. Participants discover new dimensions of creativity; many begin to see themselves for the tremendously creative people that they are for the very first time; all are refreshed and renewed by this fun, exploratory process. Whether you have ever painted before or are a skilled artist, we use paint, brush and paper as the medium for exploration and discovery. The process is a gentle yet profound one.
During week one you are free to engage as you wish. This is a time to allow your eyes and body to adjust to new light, new colours, a new rhythm of being in the world. You are welcome to participate in our daily Discovery Cafe if you so wish. Concierge services are available daily to support your exploration and discovery process.
During week two we gather as a group daily. You will be introduced to the chakras and partake in a series of guided inductions to explore each chakra. After each induction we then paint our experiences. As the week progresses, special activities are introduced, all based in aspects of creativity and all designed to meet the needs of participants that emerge out of the chakra experiences. By the end of the week you’ll have painted up to a dozen paintings which you’ll take home with you for further reflection.
What’s included in Feeding the Muse?
- A comprehensive introduction to the chakra system and its relevance to day-to-day life
- A custom developed week-long painting workshop
- A series of guided imagery inductions, custom created for the needs of participants
- All paints, brushes, paper and other art supplies
- Additional ‘creativity’ exercises custom created for the needs of specific participants
- Ample time for discovery and exploration of a culture chosen for its diversity and invitational quality
- A daily Discovery Cafe during which participants share their experiences
- Access to daily concierge services
Register Me Now! First come, first served. Max 8 participants
What is there for me to see and do while I’m in the Algarve?
Portugal not only has a deep and rich sea-faring history, but was an important passage way for the Crusaders heading to the Holy Land. The Algarve is awash with castles, forts, churches and other historical reference points for you to visit and explore. Fans of the Knights Templar will be delighted to discover that many came to Portugal when thrown out of France and the rest of Europe. Pre-historic ruins also mark the presence of Neolithic peoples on the landscape. Plus the Romans have left their mark in a number of locations if your preference is for mosaics, bathhouses and spas.
The beaches of the Algarve are world famous for their variety, cleanliness and visual beauty. Pick from long stretches of sand and dunes in the East, arcs and crescents of sand backed by cliffs and sandstone outcroppings to the West and wild surfing beaches along the Western Atlantic Coast. But count on beauty that will take your breath away as well as lots of space. The only thing that is missing is hoardes of people. You’ll have lots of space to yourself whether you choose to sunbathe or to beachcomb.
The Algarve is still largely rural so if you love countryside and the sight of olive, citrus, almond, pomegranate and other fruit groves you’ll love to drive through the hills and dales of this postcard-perfect locale. You’ll still see horse-drawn carriages, flocks of sheep and goats being herded by gnarled old shepherds and old ladies selling seasonal produce from road-side stands.
Those who love the modern world will easily find the hustle and bustle of the many towns the coast to their taste. Great European shopping with a focus on shoes, bags, cork products, pottery and silver & gold jewelry are everywhere. Modern shopping centres are easily accessible and several towns have shopper friendly pedestrian streets where you can while away the day with lots of spots to stop for a coffee or a glass of vino.
How can I get more information and pricing?
Simple. Just drop an e-mail to gwen@algarveexperiences.com. She’ll be happy to provide you a detailed information package and stay in conversation with you until you are certain that this is the personal or professional development experience that is right for you.
