The process of creating the healing space of a retreat is a transformational growth opportunity for the facilitator. As a retreat facilitator, you must create a compelling theme, a curriculum that delivers an experience, and prepare yourself to hold a healing space for others. The inner growth demonstrated by the retreat leader captures the imagination of those who attend as a participant.
Patty Adamik, is an Everyday Shaman that is passionate about helping others discover their unique path through life. She artfully blends Ancient Wisdom and the latest in mind-body research to create a safe space for profound transformational experiences.
In this three-part series, we are exploring the behind-the-scenes process of creating a healing transformation destination retreat with presenter Patty Adamik. Her retreat Soul Sanctuary-ReBirth will be held in a private villa in Huatulco, Mexico, March 18-25. Her theme combines daily physical expression with Continuum Movement and creativity exercises using Intuitive Art.
She is graciously sharing her process of creating a compelling theme in this interview.
TERESA: Why does the theme of Re-Birth inspire you?
PATTY: I love the idea of re-invention. It is possible to enter a new phase of life, be it a career, retirement, moving to a new home by changing intentions or habits.
I am also very interested in the concept of the personal myth. The stories we tell ourselves and others about who we are in most cases are myths, not necessarily accurate or even true anymore. These myths become embedded and reflected in our tissues, in our posture, in our overall health and energy levels and in how we relate to the world.
A personal myth can be empowering, but it can also be very limiting, keeping a person stuck in old belief patterns and behaviors. Examining this concept through movement and creativity is transformative. It opens the door to consciously creating the life story that you REALLY want.
TERESA: Who will benefit most from this experience?
PATTY: This Soul Sanctuary Retreat is created with a special woman in mind. She is awakening to the fact that her belief systems may be holding her back and be ready to open up and explore new possibilities. Anyone who is in the midst of a life transition such as empty nesting, changing careers, starting a new business or relationship will find this a perfect opportunity to shift into a new role with clarity and confidence.
This retreat is also for the woman who is feeling the longing to shift, a vague restlessness or sense that she’s missing out on something but doesn’t know what it is. It’s an opportunity to peel back the layers of habit and assumption and gain insight into the possibilities that exist when she allows the dream to emerge unedited. The support available in a group like this is life changing.
TERESA: What will be accomplished in this week long retreat?
PATTY: My goal for the participants is nothing less that complete renewal and transformation. To come home with a new way of being that can sustain even after she returned to ‘everyday’ living. That is why there will also be an emphasis on building resources and tools for keeping the energy and creative flow going. I think we have all had the experience of going on a wonderful trip or participating in a special event that feels amazing and then after a few days at home, it all fades away and we just start planning for the next ‘escape’. The Soul Sanctuary will help you to create a true sanctuary that you carry within you all the time.
TERESA: How does Continuum Movement integrate with Intuitive Art?
PATTY: They are a perfect fit. Continuum starts with an inquiry. The exploration is designed to take you outside of habit, language and the familiar so that there is space for ‘something new’ to emerge. Often, the insights that someone discovers about herself is ephemeral – hovering at the edges, easily lost, like a beautiful dream. Using Intuitive Drawing as a method of expression allows her to capture the essence in a visual form that is unique to her and to the moment. If our human condition, beliefs, and desires are the territory we are discovering, then the drawing becomes a sort of map. It is a physical representation that she can return to again and again to keep deepening and developing the breakthrough.
TERESA: Do you feel the location is perfect for this retreat?
PATTY: Absolutely. The location provides the best of many worlds. It is beautiful and surrounded by nature, including the powerful Pacific Ocean. The area has a rhythm and cadence that is different from everyday experience. The reduction of electromagnetic interference and light pollution resets our bio-system to a more natural and relaxed state. Having our needs met with wonderful food, leisurely schedule and the ability to take time for nurturing lets us relax what I call the ‘survival circuitries’. When you know that the efforts of everyday life are tended to by someone else, you can dive deep into the wellspring of your own creative expression. Having a group that is small enough to really get to know each other and bond enhances the experience.
In Part 2 we learn the process of creating the curriculum that perfectly delivers the theme of this retreat.
Do you long to feel free of stress, responsibility, time, space, and embrace the delicious freedom you have when you can Take Your Time? Spiritual Adventures for Women offers Healing Transformation Destination Retreats that open new horizons of intuition and manifestation. Attending a retreat can be life changing. CLICK HERE to find out more about Patty’s Retreat.
