A Transformative & Creative Retreat
Cambria, California
June 27-30, 2024
Imagine being able to access an unlimited resource of support, inner wisdom, calm and guidance when you need it the most. To be able to center yourself in the midst of challenging and uncertain times. Imagine connecting to a higher power beyond yourself and returning to your true essence and authentic self.
What if I told you this resource already exists within you? An invisible power within your own creativity.
Creativity isn’t graced only for the Michelangelos in the world, for those accepted into art school or selling in an art gallery. The ability to be creative is inherently part of being human. We were already born into this world as creative beings.
True Creativity is that natural pull toward creative expression. It’s that little kid who would naturally doodle on a folder, sing in the bath, have imaginary tea parties and draw in the back seat of the car on family trips (that was me :)).
The ability to be creativity was placed in our DNA for a reason. The ancient artists intuitively knew this from the beginning, and by the way, they didn’t need to take an art class to know how to paint on the walls of caves. They just intuitively did.
However, through life experiences, the pressure to conform and our own self-critic, we become disconnected from this creative resource. Learning how to utilize Creativity as a tool for self-care and well-being is essential to living from a place of wholeness.
Creativity is not necessarily something you learn to do, it is something
that needs to be re-awakened and even re-discovered.
I’m inviting you to carve out time to reconnect
with the invisible power of your Creativity
This retreat is very different from the typical art workshop experience
It’s not about the end product. It’s not about the project or technique. No painting seascapes or a bowl of fruit.
The focus is learning how to surrender and immerse yourself in the creative process so you can develop a deeper trust in yourself and your creative intuition.
But no worries, I’ll provide enough direction when it comes to teaching you the art practices so you feel comfortable and able to lean into the process. We’ll be exploring the some of the following:
• Learn how to use your inherent creativity as a tool for self-care and wellness
• Develop a deeper & trusting relationship with your creative process
• Develop a connection to your inner knowing, authentic self and true essence
• Learn how to move from linear thinking to heart centered and soulful creating
• Learn different art practices to help you be present and mindful
• Develop a self-awareness during the creative process
What’s Included
- Step-by-step art practices presented by your retreat host & Creative Spirit Mentor Lisa Agaran
- Art Materials (You may need to bring a few items of your own. See below).
- Connecting with nature & found objects gathering at Moonstone Beach
- Time to explore the town of Cambria
- Lunches (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), Snacks & Drinks
- One complimentary Henna Tattoo by Jen
- Raffle Giveaways
- A special gift for each attendee
….and more
Lisa’s retreat was simply the best art immersion I’ve experienced in years. It was just the right blend of learning, exploring, creating, and collaborating and every detail was thoughtfully and lovingly planned to make the three days enjoyable and rewarding. I’ll be signing up for the next one!
– Jane (Retreat 2018)
Art Practices & Self-Reflection
As a kid we have access to this natural gateway into creativity. Finger painting becomes a limitless blend of shapes and colors. We spontaneously create with little concern for the end product and easily lost in creative bliss. We posses this natural curiosity that aids us in exploring our creativity with courage and imagination.
During our time together you will explore art practices like watercolor mingles, mark making, asemic writing and intuitive collaging so you can reconnect to your true Creative Spirit.
We’ll also combine these art practices with mindset practices like loving-kindess, self-compassion and presence so you can strengthen your creative muscle.
I believe being in nature also nourishes and revitalizes our Creative Spirit. This retreat will allow you enough time to enjoy the beautiful and natural landmarks of Cambria, like Moonstone Beach and Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.
Self-Reflective Exercises
Gaining a deeper self-awareness is key to establishing an art practice that will awaken the invisible power of your creativity.
Weaved into this 3-Day retreat will be guided visualizations and self-reflective exercises so you can shine light on any self-criticism, overthinking and self-doubt blocking your creative flow. This will help you develop the mindset of openness, letting go and allowing your true creativity to surface.
Materials Provided
Majority of the art materials will be provided. However, there are a few things you will need to bring (See list below).
Materials You will Need to Bring
- Watercolor Pan Set (Pelikan or equivalent) OR any other watercolor paints
- Variety of Paint Brushes (Both watercolor & acrylic)
- Brush for applying matte medium (ie. Mod Podge)
- Straight Edge (triangle or metal ruler)
- Handheld Hole Puncher
- Collage materials will be provided, but feel free to bring some of your favorite collage papers, fabrics, gelli prints, etc. (Optional)
Physical Requirements
Please be aware a small portion of the weekend will require the ability to walk down a short hill to get to the beach, walk on sand and bend over to pick up found objects. [If you have physical limitations, this portion of the retreat is optional, I will have a collection of found objects you can choose from :)]
All levels of art experience are welcome! Adults 21+
You’re committed to your creative & artistic journey. Establishing an ongoing creative practice is important to you.
You love the idea of creating without focusing on the end result. You’re inspired by discovering the unexpected magic that comes from letting go and embracing creative accidents.
You desire to connect with other creatives and are respectful of the pace and process of others.
You are ready to take your creative practice to a deeper level by gaining self-awareness and a better understanding of what hinders your creative flow
You’re open to using the power of creativity as a way to tap into your intuition & inner wisdom.
You believe doing a creative activity is a form of self-care and is an essential part of maintaining wellbeing.
You believe that the creative process can lead to transformation & personal growth.
You’re open to heart centered practices such as mindfulness, guided visualizations, self-reflection, seeking intuitive guidance and gratitude
This was the most amazing retreat I have ever attended. Lisa is not only a gifted artist, but she is also an incredible teacher, mentor and retreat facilitator. The environment felt safe, supportive and collaborative. Everyone was encouraged to risk, experiment and follow the flow of their own creative spirits. In addition, Lisa took care of all the details, which allowed us the freedom to focus on our creative process without distraction.
Because no expectations were placed on us to produce a finished work of art by the end of the retreat, I really felt able to stay connected to myself and to allow myself to create without my usual self-criticism and judgment. I enjoyed the flow of my own creative process instead of letting my ego take charge. What a breakthrough for me! Thank you, Lisa, for your understanding of the creative process and your ability to guide us to our Inner Artists with patience and love.
– Ellie (Retreat 2023)
Your Retreat Leader &
Creative Spirit Mentor
Lisa Agaran is a mixed media artist, instructor and Creative Spirit Mentor. She has a background in art and years of experience working as a psychotherapist (Inactive) with creative individuals. Lisa has been teaching both in-person and virtual workshops for the last 8 years. She believes everyone is born an artist. It’s how you stay connected to that innate desire to be creative as we become adults. Lisa believes when we connect to our creativity without judgment, expectations and the need for our art to be perfect or a master piece, we draw from a deep resource and connect to our creative intuition. This can lead to a sense of inner wholeness and wellbeing.
Taking time to honor your creative spirit is just as essential as a good night’s rest, exercise and eating right. It provides benefits both spiritually and mentally. Lisa believes any sort of creative practice, whether it’s writing, dancing or crafts, can be meditative and stress-reducing. It’s an activity that can ground us in our daily life. We should not deprive ourselves from doing something creative on a regular bases.
To learn more about Lisa’s journey on becoming an artist, read her story and to view her body of work visit ArtbyLisaAgaran.com
Jennifer Lindstrom
Retreat Co-host & Henna Artist
Jen brings to the retreat experience her artistic skill and passion for henna art. With 10 years of experience as a henna artist, she believes, “In our culture henna is primarily seen as fashion, but it is an experience steeped in ritual and ceremony to document major life events or as a marker for moments of personal growth or spiritual quest.” Wearing her art is the perfect complement to enhance the weekend experience. Jennifer’s creative, inviting and nurturing warm spirit also makes for an amazing workshop partner and assistant.
It has been four long years (due to Covid) since our last retreat. I was initially nervous because it had been so long since I attended a group class or retreat. But I walked into the wonderful space and was immediately greeted by friendly fellow attendees, some I recognized and some were new to me. You and Jen were so welcoming. Everyone in the retreat was eager to get back to creating with you. You are such a gifted instructor and Jen is such a great Co-host/Henna artist. The two of you have created a warm and inviting environment. I noticed a significant shift in my comfort level and my creative output. I cannot wait until next year!!!
– Sheri (Retreat 2023)
(Tentative) Retreat Schedule
Below is a tentative retreat schedule for the weekend and may be subject to change as we draw closer to the retreat date. However, the goal is to try to keep the schedule as close as possible to what appears here.
Thursday
4:00-5:00 pm
Meet & Greet and
Pick Your Seat
Friday
10:00 am
Welcome & Retreat Overview
10:30-12:00 Noon
Self-Reflective Exercises
Art Practice
12:00-1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Art Practice time
4:00 pm
Connecting to nature &
found objects gathering at Moonstone Beach
Saturday
10:00-12:00 pm
Art Practice
12:00-1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00-4:30 pm
Art Practice Time
Sunday
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Finalize Art Practice Books
12:00-1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00-2:00 pm
Final Lesson & Closing
Retreat Location
The retreat will be held in the peaceful quaint town of Cambria, nestled in the Central Coast of California. Not to far from Moonstone Beach, part of the San Simon State Parks. The workshop will be at the Old Grammar School building where Cambria Center for the Arts is also located. Hotel accommodations are not included and are the responsibility of each attendee.
1350 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428
For more information about Cambria, visit CambriaChamber.org
Where to stay in Cambria
Attendees are responsible for their own accommodations. Cambria has a selection of hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Air B & Bs and vacation rentals to choose from. There is a nice collection of Inns & Hotels along Moonstone Beach or in the hills amongst cypress trees.
Creativity is the sacred space where we return to
our true self & remember the fullness of who we are.
Cambria has always been a place I would return to when I needed to re-energize and inspire my creativity. Maybe it’s the ocean air, the creative vibe of the town or just being in a peaceful place. Back in 2015, during one of my many visits to Cambria, while walking along Moonstone Beach, a vision came to me. I wanted to share the same experience with my students. Thus, the vision to do a retreat began to unfold. Each retreat since then has been a success and continues to become more and more magical. I hope you will join me for a weekend of inspiration, creativity and transformation. Hope to see you there!
We can’t wait to have you join us in Cambria and share this special place & experience with you.