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Life is Art Retreat


A homecoming to self in nature.

SAMA

“… [SAMA] a daring level of equanimity requiring you to differentiate yourself from the collective trance.” ~ Radiance Sutras

Life is Art Retreat is an invitation to connect on a deeper level with your unique creative essence. We will spend time in nature, with likeminded creative souls and share in a homecoming to self. This retreat has been designed to honour and enrich the creative process. As a creative and yogi I have found immeasurable inspiration and intelligence in the teachings that I will be sharing with you on this weekend. Daily yoga, meditation and prana vayus (breath), principles of Ayurveda as seen in nature and three workshops designed specifically around the creative process.

“Be still and the earth will speak to you.” ~ Navaro proverb

Welcoming creatives, yogis and wholesome individuals who make life an art form in their own unique way.

The details:

Location: Nanga Bush Camp, deep in nature. Dwellingup (1.5hrs South of Perth)

When: Friday 20th May - Sunday 22nd May 2022

Schedule:

Friday:

Arrive from 4pm

6pm Opening Circle, intention setting

Shared dinner

Saturday:

6am Morning Yoga + Meditation

8am Breakfast

10am Workshop #1: Foundations of Ayurveda as seen in nature. Introduction to Prana Vayus and Nadis.

12pm Lunch

2pm Workshop #2: Developing the individual voice amidst the collective noise. Fast to slow creative process, development of creative ideas, intuitive creation. Exploration of Radiance Sutras.

5pm Yoga Nidra ~ yogi deep rest, marinate and ground creative ideas, stillness.

7pm Dinner

Evening ~ fire pit

Sunday:

6am Morning yoga + Meditation

8am Breakfast

10am Nature walk, journaling.

12pm Lunch

1.30pm Workshop #3: Reflections, discussion, weaving it all together, closing circle.

3pm Completion of our shared experience.

~~~

  • Schedule subject to small adjustments during the weekend.

  • You may choose to sit out a workshop or yoga class, but attendance at the opening and closing circle is compulsory.

  • Please keep phones out of the creative container of our retreat. If your phone is an important part of your creative flow to take photos, please opt for airplane mode during group activities.

  • Journaling is encouraged! Please bring one with you.

  • Information rich workshop handouts will be given, so you may revisit the work and continue learning after the retreat time.

  • Yoga experience is not necessary, the asana (movements) will be gentle. The power in the practice is linked to the Prana (breath) and how we incorporate Mantra, for this reason the yogi experience may be more profound for an advanced yogi, but absolutely accessible for the beginner.

  • You may be a creative deep in your process already (any art form welcome). You may also be interested in Life as the creative process, it is not necessary to be a ‘professional’ creative to receive and grow in this experience. Life is Art!

  • The space will not be filled beyond 50% capacity. If you would like a room to yourself (extra cost) there is limited availability - please request! If you would like to read the covid plan please don’t hesitate to ask.

  • Non-refundable deposit secures your place, full fee due 6 weeks prior to the retreat.

Exchange:

$650 Weekend retreat

$550 Full time students, weekend retreat

$250 non-refundable deposit

Includes: accommodation (dorm style, sharing up to 2-3 ppl), Ayurvedic meals, 2x morning yoga sessions, yoga nidra, 3x creative workshops, a beautiful time in nature with wonderful humans.

Limited space, please book ahead <3

Full heart yes!

(see bellow)

About Julia

It has been my pleasure to hold space and share the ancient teachings of yoga, Ayurveda, meditation and creative exploration over the past decade. The container of retreat has long been a joy for me to host, as the possibilities for deep and profound shifts are enhanced when we step out of the everyday, and into nature.

The foundations of this retreat experience incorporate gems I have garnered from various fields of learning. The focus on prana during our asana practice has its seat in the Hatha/Tantric tradition, while Ayurvedic wisdom overarches a yogic way of life. Incorporation of the Radiance Sutras is a free~flowing invitation into creative exploration, whilst nature holds us to truth.

My study over the years includes Ayurvedic training, Yoga Teacher Trainings of 5oohrs+ (Yogaworx, The Practice, Brian Kest, Laughing Lotus NY), human biology and Anatomy (UWA), and Bowen Therapy. It has been my pleasure to teach on YTT trainings with Yogaworx delivering content including Ayurveda, nadis, prana vayus, koshas, Radiance Sutras and meditation.

I was called to play violin from age 4, music has always been an integral part of my life experience and expression. I have been lucky to receive my training from several of the highest caliber players, through Bachelor and Masters degrees, and have been performing as a violinist both in Australia and internationally over the past 15 years. Over that time I have been witness and a part of many different modes of creation. In particular I have created work that brings together different musical traditions, particularly incorporating Middle Eastern and Western Art Music, as well as working in a multi-disciplinary space. My experiences at Banff Centre for Creativity, Canada, along with experiences in Iran, in particular feed into this retreat, along with many other explorations of a creative nature.

This retreat represents a culmination of the pearls of wisdom I have been privileged to receive as student to this beautiful world. It is my absolute pleasure to share this work with you.

Book me in!


Full fee: $650

Concession (full time student): $550

Non-refundable deposit: $250 (full amount due 6 weeks prior to retreat start date)

Secure your spot in 2 easy steps!

1) Transfer the appropriate amount with you name clearly labeled to:

Julia Watson

BSB: 736 168

Acc No: 547458

Thank you!

2) To help us deliver the material that will best meet you, please email: watsoj05@gmail.com with a few words about yourself, your art practice and your level of yoga experience. If you have booked a concession space, please include a copy of your student card. All welcome!

And finally with it being a crazy time, there are back-up plans which will be clearly communicated if enacted! The safety, enjoyment and depth of delivery for all participants is the highest priority. If we need to re-schedule, we will, if we need to transition to an online offering, we will. In the case that an online retreat is offered, a lower price will be set and sign-up will be optional. In the case that the retreat is cancelled a full refund will be given. Any questions, send them through! Looking forward to sharing this epic content with you all.