anchorage retreat

"Watch myself compassionately from a little distance" - Rohr

Anchorage Retreat is a creative weekend escape located in Seaforth, Nova Scotia with local artists, DeeDee Morris, Judith Brannen and Alissa Kloet along with yoga instructor Linda Thieu. It is a space for women to come together and slow down.  It is a time to disconnect from the everyday and begin again to pay attention. Through creative and mindful exercises, active participation, and self reflection, we hope inspire you to either begin or reenergize your own creative practice.  We intend  this retreat to be a time to anchor oneself and rediscover the joy of observation.

What to expect

"My experience is what I agree to attend to. Only those items I notice shape my mind."
- William James

The workshops are all led my practicing artists whose work is connected to the Eastern Shore. They want to welcome you into the the place that inspires them in the hopes that it will also inspire you. Each workshop is structured to help you take time to observe and create.

Expect to be treated like family and as such we hope you feel both the safety and openness available to participate in a thoughtful, considerate, and responsive way. This space is sacred; it is vulnerable; it is home. Expect to be honoured here, to be heard, to be seen. This is a safe space where we will allow for each of you to show up, whatever that might look like. 

This retreat, as much as possible, is meant to be a social media free weekend. The goal is to reconnect by disconnecting.

Expect really good food. DeeDee and Alissa both have lovely vegetable gardens and will be preparing food from their harvest.

Finally, Seaforth is a small, magical community. We know our neighbours and we love them all greatly. We hope that you feel this magic as you wander our beaches, trails and roads. Please respect the beauty of this place and I promise it will grip your soul and you’ll only want to return again and again.

The Workshops

Portrait of a Self with Deedee Morris

An afternoon of digging deep into one’s Self through conversation and photography. Join me for an opportunity to explore the story behind your self portrait. This workshop does not require any photography experience or a fancy camera. The space will be safe, the hope is for vulnerability with yourself and with the others in the group. Helpful tips on how to take a self portrait will be explored, but the main focus of this workshop is self exploration through the medium of photography.

See Deedee's work at www.deedeemorris.com

Watercolours with Judith Brannen

Exercises in the medium of watercolour to get the juices/colours flowing, literally. It will be a beginning of exploration using the metaphor of colours and forms influencing one another. The secret of watercolour is water- it’s the catalyst for freedom:  to allow thoughts and experiences and outside influences to interact. Perfect control would be so boring!

Place and Presence with Alissa Kloet

Explore the rocky coast, beaches and trails of Seaforth in a thoughtful and contemplative way. We will take time to record the connection we have to our surroundings through an active map making exercise. Our marks and experiences will be translated into a stitched piece while we share conversation about our different perspectives and what we've take notice of. No drawing or stitching experience is needed and all supplies are provided.

See Alissa's work at www.keephouse.ca

Yoga with Linda Thieu

Awaken to possibilities with morning yoga. Opening with pranayama which is Sanskrit for the extension of breath and life force. This is a customized sequence for the weekend's retreat connecting the mind with the body. Exploring vulnerability, honesty, and authenticity. This all levels slow flow will link breath and movement. Create space for energy to glide with open hearts and open minds.
Find more about Linda at www.lawrencetownwellness.com

Included:

All meals plus snacks for Thursday night, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.

Art supplies and workshop materials

Welcome package, including journal, pens, and swag

Cost of all the workshops and yoga session.

This retreat is limited to 10 people.

Fee:  $450 + tax
Space is Limited, Register as soon as possible to guarantee your place.

Accommodations are not provided in the retreat fee. Camping/Glamping is available on both DeeDee Morris and Alissa Kloet's properties with some access to facilities. If you are looking for accommodations we can offer recommendations. 

What to Bring:

Something to take a photo with. Anything from a DSLR to a cellphone will do.
Good walk shoes - rubber boots are recommended as well.
Yoga mat is optional. They can be provided.

Questions? Contact us at anchorageretreat@gmail.com

Itinerary

Thursday Night
7:00pm - gather, drinks and snacks

Friday
8:30am - Breakfast
10:00-10:30am - Morning Pages
10:30-12:30am - Watercolour Workshop with Judith Brannen
12:30-2:00pm - Lunch
2:00-5:00pm - Place and Presence Workshop with Alissa Kloet
5:30pm -  Dinner
7:00pm - Free time (activities pending on weather)

Saturday
8:30am - Breakfast
10:30 - 11:30 - Yoga with Linda Thieu
12:00-1:00 - Lunch
1:30 - 5:30 - Portrait of a Self with Deedee Morris
6:00 - Dinner
7pm - Free time (activities pending on weather)

Sunday
9:00 - 11:00am - Breakfast and closing