I just returned from another mind-blowing week of teaching intuitive painting at the Mountain Home Ranch resort in Calistoga California. And as usual, what I call the predictable miracle occurred. Which means that a deeply creative, sacred circle of community organically evolved, authentic creative expression unfolded in a seemingly effortless manner and transformative heart and soul openings happened without fail for everyone who attended the workshop. I’ve thought a lot about what it is that allows my retreats to be as powerfully healing as they are. And I have come to the conclusion that it is the daily creative practices that we engage in during the retreat that cradle, support and inspire me and my students as we engage in this sacred process of personal growth and spiritual awakening. When doing any kind of deep transformational work it’s also tremendously crucial to consider “set and setting” and how it impacts the effectiveness of these practices. What is essential for any healing modality to work its magic is the creation of a safe and nonjudgmental energetic container. Anyone engaged in a serious spiritual or creative practice needs to know that they will be responded to with kindness, compassion and respect as […]