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"I am not an artist" is something I have heard some of the most creative people I know mutter so often it has become common. The benefits of integrating art and creativity into our lives are well-documented. Engaging in creative activities can reduce stress, enhance mental health, and foster a profound sense of well-being. The American Art Therapy Association highlights how art therapy can alleviate anxiety and depression, while a 2016 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that creative endeavors contribute to a sense of flourishing—a cornerstone of a fulfilling life.
Knowing this my challenge had become how do I get all the people around me who insist "I am not an artist!" and shy away from creativity, to open up to all the good that art can add to life?
Rick Rubin, in his book The Creative Act: A Way of Being, may have the answer, he reframes what creativity is and how it presents in the world - "Creativity is not about being a great artist. It's about making the world around you, and within you, a little more magical every day."
This philosophy is at the core of why art is a part of all the retreats we host. In our retreats, participants are invited to explore their creativity in a nurturing, inspirational setting, and it doesn't always look like what you think.
Picture yourself in a rustic Tuscan kitchen, kneading fresh pasta dough under the watchful eye of a seasoned chef. This isn't merely a cooking class; it's an immersion into the art of gastronomy. Here, ingredients are celebrated, their origins respected, and the process of creating a meal becomes a form of artistic expression. As Rubin beautifully states, "Cooking can be an art form, and the kitchen a canvas where the ordinary becomes extraordinary."
Visual arts offer another dimension of this creative exploration. Imagine standing at a canvas, the rolling hills of Tuscany unfolding before you. Painting here isn't just about capturing a scene; it's a dialogue between the artist and the landscape, a way of seeing the world anew. Rubin’s words resonate deeply: "When we engage in making art, we engage in seeing more clearly. We become more attuned to the subtleties of color, light, and shadow."
Beyond structured classes, the magic of these retreats lies in the everyday moments: leisurely strolls through the gardens where every leaf and flower whispers tales of life, or quiet reflections where culture sparks a deeper appreciation for the moment. Rubin’s insight rings true: "Creativity isn't just something we do; it's a way of being. It's a way of moving through the world with curiosity and wonder."
Attending a retreat transcends the notion of a vacation; it's a transformative journey that enriches your travel experience in unimaginable ways. These retreats seamlessly blend cultural immersion with creative exploration, offering a sanctuary for self-discovery and personal growth.
Whether you're cooking pasta from scratch, creating a watercolor, marveling on how wine blooms in the glass or simply absorbing the beauty of the Italian countryside, the creative process deepens your connection to the world and to yourself.
"The act of creating is a gift to yourself and to the world." In community you not only cultivate your own creativity but also share a piece of that newfound magic with others. If you're seeking a travel experience that will remind you that YES you are an artist after all join us! and for more inspiration I highly recommend Rick Rubin's book - The Creative Act: A Way of Being
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