“The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps – we must step up the stairs.” ~ Vance Havner March 25, 2009
Through difficult experiences, life sometimes becomes more meaningful. 14th Dalai Lama March 19, 2009
Holding the Space ~ Sharing this Place March 19, 2009
I am in the process of drafting the poster to advertise the retreat. But, I am stuck at the question of “price”. How much should it cost for a woman to have a retreat experience?
When I first decided to create this space, my motivation was to share the beauty, the natural stillness and the restorative solitude that exists here. I have been so fortunate to ‘own’ this little piece of property, and so, so many women will never have that opportunity. It feels like my duty to offer it to guests. The actual ‘work’ of creating this retreat however has not been without financial input.
Anyone who knows me knows that financial gain is not my first priority. That being said, I would like to cover my costs. There is the coffee, tea, and breakfasts to be purchased, not to mention all of the bedding, kitchen supplies and the actual cost of the building the structures.
I have searched the internet to get an idea of the rate other retreats charge. It ranges from very little to very, very expensive. So this is what I have decided.
The Main Cottage – Outback
$45 per night
Yurt
$35 per night
Faerie Cottage (not yet finished)
$35 per night
I think these rates are reasonable. But, I will also provide a sliding scale or “pay what you may” option, and as always guests may choose a Karma Yoga exchange.
Cultivate Creativity March 11, 2009
Everyone, at some time feels that they have come to a road block; that creativity and spark are not flowing. The key to overcoming this is not through dwelling on the negative, but by challenging ourselves to get those creative juices flowing again.
Maybe it is a career, of a hobby, or relationship that needs inspiration. Usually it is self-imposed barriers that keep us from realizing our potential. Working though these barriers will empower you to fulfill your creative potential.
Some solutions:
Don’t feel that you have to re-invent the wheel. Worrying that our ideas are not ‘original’, believing that we lack talent, or fretting about what others will say are really good was of avoiding that first step into a project. Forget that others are ever going to see or critique your work. You may find it helpful to write your doubts down. The physical act of acknowledging your obstacles can relieve to stress of creative roadblocks. What is important is that YOU take pleasure in what you create.
Sit down and have a ‘brain storming session’ with yourself. Write down all possible ideas and angles. If it is a work related project, do your research, see what has been done by others (the internet is a great tool!), search for as much information about the subject as you can find. It may help to build a ’story board’ pinning up your ideas on a wall or writing them on a white board so that you can see everything al once.
If you are working on a hobby, craft or art project, make yourself a ‘project box’. When ever you find interesting images or items related to your project, keep them in the box or a binder to refer to later. Don’t try to re-create the images you collect, but rather look to them for emotive themes. It is amazing how ideas can spring forth from a swatch of colour or a photograph of a flower, person or animal or even words cut from a magazine. The act of collecting these materials and filling the box is a creative process in itself!
When it comes time to get down to the ‘work’ of creating, make yourself a ritual, play a piece of music that reflects what you are trying to achieve, signal to yourself (and your co-workers) that you are focused and nothing can interfere.
Take time for yourself. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove yourself from distractions. Go on a retreat, take a walk, or simply take time away from tv, internet, shopping etc to clear your mind and renew your creative process.
But most importantly, don’t get hung up on it. Everyone is a creative being. Developing your creative skills will help you to realize your true potential.
