Belonging; Building Relationships Through Art Retreats

Hello my lovely friends,

I had a powerful insight today. Maybe you might feel the same way, and this awareness might be helpful for you too. I have never been very comfortable in crowds or groups of people. I find big groups overwhelming and I either have a difficult time finding my voice, or I feel like I talk over people to get my point across. Both ways leave me sad. I truly prefer one on one conversations where I can really get to know someone, and feel like our interaction was meaningful. Instagram feels like the biggest crowd of people imaginable, and I feel like I rarely get to share myself in a way that feels impactful and even more rarely do I get to have a meaningful connection.

I think we all long for a feeling of connection within our communities, however that manifests for us. I have always felt like I didn’t really belong anywhere. At least belong in a way where I felt seen, and heard, and accepted, and maybe even celebrated, for my particular beingness. It takes a slowing down and a concentration to be truly present for another person. How often do we allow ourselves to do that?

Our retreats here are my way of getting to have more one on one time with other creatives, and a space where our guests can slow down and enjoy each other and the guest teachers. It’s more than just art here. It is an experience where love and appreciation, and connection, matter very much. It is a place where whatever comes up in your creative practice can be processed in the quiet and beauty that surrounds you. It is a place where I love to nurture all of you in lots of ways.

This year during one of our retreats I shared with the group how challenging this year has been for us. We had two scheduled and sold out retreats with a teacher from the UK who canceled. This is how we started out our season, and I really struggled not to let that keep me feeling defeated. I also felt shame in being vulnerable. Everyone there was so kind and all offered bits of advice, most of which we had already considered.

The next morning, I got a text from my sweet friend Aimee that said, “I had a dream last night I can’t wait to tell you.” She shared her thoughts with me and said, "People aren’t getting it. This place is so special. What you have created is magical. We can take the pressure off of your need to make this work, and then just let it be a place where your offering is valued and appreciated for what it is. I want to film an online class for you. I already have the name and so many ideas are flooding in. I’m so excited!"

That kind of love and friendship is extraordinary! I ask myself; 'How can I be better at being selfless in my gifting, and how can I be better at receiving love and kindness?' I want to always come from a loving place, but sometimes I lead with my fears and insecurities. Life is so much easier for me when I do remember to take nothing personally, and give others as much grace as I would want them to give me.

I know that online workshops are not intimate, and I am always so disappointed by the lack of community in that way of learning, and practicing, my creativity. But! I am hoping that I can help encourage all of you that are taking Aimee’s class, Openings; Art At The Edge Of Transformation, and to spend more time on the community pages.

I truly want to hear from you all. I want to know what you are thinking and feeling, and how your creative practice is going! Do any of you have thoughts you could share about how to make these online classes more intimate? Participation in our online offerings enables us to continue to offer live retreats at Hunter Moon Homestead.

Please let me know what kind of offerings you want to see on our network. Is there anything I can offer all of you from a distance that you might be needing? I am okay with a small and supportive network of creatives who value connection.

I appreciate all of you very much.

-Kate