why retreat (with jojo blöndal)

As Kelly, Ali, and I gather goodies and ready the lodge for the Your Story Retreat participants, please enjoy another guest post in this series of posts from a few of the ladies who have attended my retreats over the last few years. My hope is that these posts will not only give you a glimpse into the Be Present Retreats, but also invite you to realize the importance of taking time away from your daily life to recharge, connect with your kindreds, and rekindle your creativity.

And today, I am delighted to welcome Jojo Blöndal who is a kindred spirit I have been connected with since the days of Poetry Thursday way back when. Thank you for sharing your light today Jojo!

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I am learning that sometimes I actually have to leave home to find home – a novel concept, but one that really is becoming true for me.
 
A few months back I did just that: I left my home to sink into more of me in the dew and mist of the Pacific Northwest. I traveled 1135 miles to create magic with kindreds. Strangers, really, but like-minded souls, artists and adventurers who did the exact same thing: traveled mile upon mile to escape their lives and find themselves in maple leaves, moss, and the enchantment of tall, green, majestic woods… and in an actual log cabin, no less.

I left home with a small(ish) bag filled with art supplies, fall weather gear, a slew of Moleskines, and a big desire to peel back layers of my being. This is an idea that seems strange to some: that you would get on a plane and travel, off to paint, write, eat, and commune with folks you have never met. And though two of the retreat goers were friends I had recently met, communing with strangers is a concept that fuels me. Yes, it speaks my language: adventure. An adventure with art, words, food, photography, trees, women, exploration, the sea, the forest, coffee, tea, and a labyrinth. I’m in!  I left home with a few small bags, but I’d come back with bigger things. Things tucked in my heart and under my belt. Lessons learned about myself. Lessons I’ve learned before and may learn again (and maybe again).  But each time, the path to this place inside me becomes more clear.

I left my husband and furry feline back in LA to go on this adventure. I said goodbye to all the things I push myself to be: überwife, recognized artist, good friend and neighbor; dependable daughter, sister, and aunt; and an irreplaceable service to my clients. And I said goodbye to the things I do, like keeping a tidy kitchen and bathroom, and making sure the linens are washed, dust bunnies corralled and plants (as well as my husband and myself) fed. I push myself hard! I do it out of love. But I stretch myself with so much grit that most days, grace seems to slip away. And eventually I must say hello to the yearning to refill my well, the whispers of an old friend that knows.
 
It is becoming clear to me that retreat, for me, is a necessity more than a luxury.

I arrived at my destination, welcomed with smiles and hugs and a handwritten name card. It warmed my heart to know that someone was awaiting my arrival. It reminded me that there was room for me here, that my adventure was in full swing and that I’d most certainly carved out some space to grow. I’d made it to the shade of the forest, and I sank in, with eagerness and ease. I sank in, even after surviving introductions–because as much as I love wandering to new places, the excitement (and uncertainty of it) always makes my stomach drop. I was immersed in every moment. I found new ways to look through my lens. I scouted new words with which to craft poems. I rooted about with a long brush and tubes of color to paint my story. And right next to me were beautiful strangers cracking open their tender souls to do the same. I think we were all eager. And we were all willing. And magic was made. It was inevitable.

I am learning what my heart already knows. I am learning that I must retreat to come back home. I am learning that I don’t have to be all that I think I am supposed to, to be accepted or survive or succeed. That I already have all I need. And I sit here with a smile because I will learn this again (and maybe again), but each time the path becomes more clear.

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Jojo Blöndal is a graphic designer, artist, and creative personal blogger. She nurtures her soul and strawberry patch in the foothills of the Angeles Forest where she lives with her musician husband.
 
Jojo’s passion for creativity is rooted in celebrating the ever-changing perspectives and ever-present rhythms of her days. To preserve herself in a big city, she finds comfort in analog things - from growing succulents and herbs, to writing letters by hand and exploring daily habit with her film camera. When she’s not pushing around pixels, you might find her in a local cafe soaking up tea and sinking into a Moleskine journal.
 
Visit her artwork here, photography here, design work here and heart here.

All photos copyright to Jojo Blöndal.

the nine (with bella cirovic)

The Nine is an interview series with creative folks that began on my blog, Be Present, Be Here, in the Spring of 2009; the interviewees are asked to respond to nine questions in photographs (or video). All the interviews can be found here.

Today, I am delighted that kindred Bella Cirovic is answering these Nine questions. Gosh I adore this girl and her way of looking at the world. She is brave and real, and these traits shine through in her photographs. 

Enjoy these glimpses into Bella's world... 

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Question 1: Who are you?

Question 2: In this moment, where are you?

Question 3: What are the textures of your corner of the world?

Question 4: If you had an hour alone to just play, what would you do?

Question 5: How do you seek joy?

Question 6: What nourishes you?

Question 7: When you need to simply take a breath and ground yourself, what do you do?

Question 8: How do you nurture your creative dreams?

Question 9: Does your heart have a secret wish you want to share?

*****

Bella Cirovic is a photographer and visual storyteller who lives in the suburbs just outside of NYC.

She shares her stories and photos at her blog, She Told Stories and is the hostess of the 52 Photos Project. 

All photos copyright Bella Cirovic. Bio photo of Bella by Thea Coughlin.

why retreat (with stacy kathryn)

Today, I am introducing a new series of guest posts from a few of the ladies who have attended my retreats over the last few years. My hope is that these posts will not only give you a glimpse into the Be Present Retreats, but also invite you to realize the importance of taking time away from your daily life to recharge, connect with your kindreds, and rekindle your creativity.

And I am thrilled that my friend Stacy Kathryn is kicking off this series today! Read on...

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The first time I was really awakened to the power of art, of the ability to evoke emotion in others and make people feel and understand without a word being spoken, it changed my perspective on life. But the ability to create is arguably a skill, like playing a musical instrument, and it requires effort and practice to improve upon. It requires a set of tools both tangible like paintbrushes or a camera, but it also means looking at tools in a broader sense.

The internet is a powerful tool in itself. There is a seemingly endless supply of resources at our fingertips for any interest we may have. And as an artist, it's a great place to connect with others from across the globe to share your thoughts and ideas, learn new skills and techniques, and communicate with others you might normally never have met. One could argue, though, that for as well connected as we all are, there's a certain isolation that comes with being behind a computer screen as well. That's where artist retreats have been extremely beneficial to me.

Now, I'm not what you'd call an extrovert by any stretch of the imagination. It's just not in me to interact with a group of people as effortlessly as some do. But taking a big step outside of my comfort zone to meet people who share my interests and feel the same way I do about art has been well worth the butterflies in my stomach - and these "strangers" quickly become good friends.

When people come together for a common goal, the energy and positivity in the air is remarkable. It's at these retreats that I always find a little part of me that has been missing. I also manage to walk away every time with invaluable tools to add to that creative toolbox of mine, as well as heaps of encouragement from my new-found friends. For me, one of the biggest "tools" I've picked up recently is writing poetry. Something I learned more about at the Be Present Midwest Retreat, and learning a whole new way to look at words and how we can put them together into these beautiful, mysterious, evocative poems. And different forms of art all have a way of finding relationships to each other. Being a mixed media artist allows me to draw from many inspiring sources: pictures, poems, paint, put together they seek a natural balance all their own at times and conspire to form new beautiful things in the process.

When I returned home from that retreat last May, I was bursting at the seams with ideas, inspiration, and new tools to put to use. I've been writing more than ever, eager to try out many of the new techniques I'd learned, and it helped me to see what I've created in a different way. I encourage you to take the leap, if you never have, and attend an artist's retreat. You will be truly amazed at what you can learn from so much creativity in one place. And you just might inspire someone else with your own ideas and thoughts!

How have you added to your creative toolbox lately? Was it a retreat, e-course, or just jumping into something new?

(Please feel free to share your answers in the comments today.)

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Stacy Kathryn is an artist, and dreamer who loves to spend time creating mixed media paintings and jewelry. Though her life has taken many twists and turns her passion for art has been a constant companion. She hopes to share her enthusiasm and inspire others to embrace change and creativity. You can check out her blog and website for a little bit of inspiration, or go check her shop out which is filled to the brim with fun, colorful goodies!

the nine interview revisited (with vivienne mcmaster)

The Nine is an interview series with creative folks that began on my blog, Be Present, Be Here, in the Spring of 2009; the interviewees are asked to respond to nine questions in photographs (or video). All the interviews can be found here.

Vivienne McMaster first answered The Nine questions about three years ago (you can see her first interview here). Recently when chatting with her, I had the idea that it would be so much fun to have her answer The Nine questions now. Lucky for us, she graciously agreed to play along again.

Enjoy this peek into Vivienne's world... 

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Question 1: Who are you?

Question 2: In this moment, where are you?

Question 3: What are the textures of your corner of the world?

Question 4: If you had an hour alone to just play, what would you do?

Question 5: How do you seek joy?

Question 6: What nourishes you?

Question 7: When you need to simply take a breath and ground yourself, what do you do?

Question 8: How do you nurture your creative dreams?

Question 9: Does your heart have a secret wish you want to share?

*****

Vivienne McMaster is a photographer, visual storyteller and workshop leader with a passionate, supportive, rule free approach to getting creative with taking photos. 

She has a big love for helping people find the photographer within themselves. She believes, and knows from experience, that self-portraits can be incredibly healing (and also so much fun). She has a brand new website where she often shares stories that entwine images and words together.

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Note from Liz: Viv has been my "go to" photography teacher for a while now, and I am so excited to join in on this next session of Swan Dive that begins next Monday. I have been wanting to grow my understanding of post-processing and can't wait to circle with others and learn from Viv again. Learn more about Swan Dive and consider coming along... 

how to write (a guest post from jenna mcguiggan)

How to Write: Climb the mountain, explore the plateau

When the rejection letters arrive in the mail;

When I don't know how to fix a clunky paragraph;

When my creative taste outstrips my creative ability;

When I've neglected my muse and can't hear a word she's whispering;

When writing feels more like walking alone under a hot desert sun without water instead of riding a flowing current down a beautiful river;

When I sit down to write, each time, every time, even now, and

I wonder: What if this is as good as I'll ever be? What if I never improve? Can I really learn to be a better writer?

I know that the answer is yes because I'm a dramatically better writer than I was ten, five, even two years ago.

About three years ago I underwent a rapid growth spurt as a writer. I made some important discoveries and connections, and -- dare I say it -- had some epiphanies about writing in general and about my writing in particular. I found a new writing voice and uncovered new material. I learned to read like a writer. I learned techniques that I'd never known before, and I learned how to name and talk about techniques that I'd previously only understood intuitively. (Having the language to name and explain something gives you a new level of mastery over it, especially when combined with an intuitive way of knowing.)

All of this happened when I was in grad school, which I'd entered to help me move past the writing plateau I'd been stuck on for a few years. I finished that leg of the journey eight months ago, and I've been standing on a new plateau ever since. The climb was exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting. In some ways, I'm glad for the rest, the time to look down the mountain and see how far I've come, to catch my breath and enjoy the view. Or rather, I'm trying to be glad for these things. Mostly I just keep running in circles, darting to and fro, fretting about when I get to star climbing again, because, dude: There is so much more mountain above me!

The writing plateaus make me twitchy. I get nervous. Insecurity and fear set in, accompanied by a frothy dollop of doubt. What if this is as good as I'll ever be? What if I never improve? Can I really learn to be a better writer?

We like progress. We like an upward trajectory. Climb the incline, rest at the plateau, and then keep climbing!

But what if there are other ways to grow?

What if I calmed down, looked around this plateau and discovered its true terrain? What if I embraced what I now know and simply practiced it again and again? Not all growth happens along a linear path. (Not much growth happens that way, methinks.)

What if I stopped running in circles and sat down in the middle of this flat place, took a deep breath, and watched the sky for awhile?

What if I wandered around with eyes ready to see tiny wildflowers peeking out from the glinting rockface?

What if I discovered a cave and decided to go spelunking, to really explore its depths, no matter how dark or strange it was?

What if I invited other writers (and wish-to-be writers) to join me on the journey? To climb the path that I once walked, to sit on the plateau with me, to smell the flowers, explore the depths, and to go on ahead?

** ** **

You -- and your writing -- are invited.

Come climb your own mountain, explore your own plateau, and discover your own wildflowers and caves. Join me for Alchemy: The Art & Craft of Writing, an online course designed to help you transform your writing and take it deeper and  w i d e r  than ever before. The next session runs April 2 - May 11.

The word "alchemy" means "a power or process of transforming something common into something special." Alchemy: The Art & Craft of Writing helps you transform something common (words) into something special (your essays, stories, poems, blog posts, etc.). Learn practical writing techniques to give your stories deeper meaning. Combine the nitty-gritty details with flights of fancy and watch your words sparkle and soar. Discover tips and practices to overcome your writing challenges. Be motivated, inspired, supported, and encouraged in a community of writers.

I created this course by collecting together the writing techniques, tips, practices, and inspiration that contributed to my big growth spurt. In it I share what I learned in grad school and from my nine years as a professional writer. I'm honored to have Liz as one of the featured guests in the course. Other guest spots include interviews with inspiring authors such as Brené Brown, Marianne Elliott (Zen Peacekeeper), and poet Susan Wooldridge. Learn more and register here. There's plenty of room on this mountain for all of us.

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Jenna McGuiggan is a writer, editor, and coach who works with creative souls and organizations with heart.

Visit her in The Word Cellar, which she envisions as a cozy, stone-walled chamber filled with twinkle lights, shelves of stories, nooks of books, and plush armchairs perfect for sharing your tale.

a guest post from kristin noelle

 

Kristin Noelle is a writer and an artist whose work illuminates trust as the antidote to all that ails us.

Find her at Trust Tending, where she blogs, draws, and listens deeply for the sake of trust-ward transformation. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, young kids, and 6 chickens.

 *****

A note from Liz: This re-entry after retreats can be such a tender time as exhaustion walks hand and hand with love. After everyone leaves, my own loneliness sets in as I experience what I tell retreat participants they might experience: You come home forever changed but no one at home has had the same experience you have had...so they might not get it (even if they really want to). At each retreat this year, Kelly and I are giving retreat participants "self-care kits" to take home to help them with this re-entry phase. During the retreat, one of the Pen & Paper participants asked me about how I practice self-care during my own re-entry. 

I didn't really have an answer.

Then I saw this piece of art Kristin created that is shared above. My heart felt like it literally expanded when I realized she had sent over a gift for me (for all of us really) in the form of a guest post. Looking at this, it is as though we sat in a cafe together and she peeked right inside me and then created this...but we've never actually met or even talked on the phone.

As I sit here in a mostly quiet house wearing my superpower mom cape over my owl pajamas while wishing for a nap, I am reflecting on all the truths and stories and creative play shared over the weekend and marveling at how these women found there way to a little cabin in the woods just because I said, "Wanna come?" And then I am looking at this gentle artwork Kristin has created, and I am simply struck at the exquisite beauty the internet can facilitate as it gives us a forum for the simple act of reaching out and saying, "Me too. Me too." 

My self-care during this re-entry time is going to be creating an altar with this artwork as the backdrop. It will be an altar to wholeness and home.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

the nine interview (with catherine just)

The Nine is an interview series with creative folks that began on my blog, Be Present, Be Here, in the Spring of 2009; the interviewees are asked to respond to nine questions in photographs (or video). All the interviews can be found here.

Today, I am so delighted to invite you into the soul.full world of the magical Catherine Just. 

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Question 1: Who are you?

Question 2: In this moment, where are you?

Question 3: What are the textures of your corner of the world?

Question 4: If you had an hour alone to just play, what would you do?

Question 5: How do you seek joy?

Question 6: What nourishes you?

Question 7: When you need to simply take a breath and ground yourself, what do you do?

Question 8: How do you nurture your creative dreams?

Question 9: Does your heart have a secret wish you want to share?

(all photos copyright catherine just)

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Catherine is an award winning photographer with a passion for helping others achieve their dreams. Her photos have been published on the cover of National Geographic Magazine and inside Oprah.com. She leads Soul*Full Retreats and eCourses for women merging creativity and personal growth. Find out which one is the best fit at http://www.catherinejust.com, and follow her on Twitter @Catherine_Just.

the nine interview (with kristen perman)

Today's Nine interview is with Kristen Perman. From her self-portraits to her NYC fire escapes to the Los Angeles street art she captures on her photo walks, oh how this woman can use a camera! The simple truth is that the way Kristen captures the world through her lens deeply moves me. She was one of my first friends here in blog world and then we became friends "in the real world," and I am so grateful for the way she shows up. I am also so honored that she is one of the contibutors in my book Inner Excavation.

Come along today and peek into Kristen's story as she answers the Nine questions.

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Question 1: Who are you?

Question 2: In this moment, where are you?

Question 3: What are the textures of your corner of the world?

Question 4: If you had an hour alone to just play, what would you do?

Question 5: How do you seek joy?

Question 6: What nourishes you?

Question 7: When you need to simply take a breath and ground yourself, what do you do?

Question 8: How do you nurture your creative dreams?

Question 9: Does your heart have a secret wish you want to share?

(all photos copyright kristen perman)

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Kristen Perman is a Los Angeles based photographer who is continually inspired by the urban suburban sprawl of her surroundings.

A tea-loving bookworm, a girl who chases light and shadows; always exploring, always a camera in hand.

You can visit Kristen on the web at Exquisite Corpse Collective and her Flickr stream, and find her Etsy shop here. 

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Nine is an interview series with creative folks that began in the Spring of 2009; the interviewees are asked to respond to the interview questions in photographs (or video). You can scroll through all the interviews here.