Cultivating the Creative Spirit

An art and yoga retreat with Sigrid Olsen and
Martha Abbot... where creativity and spirit meet.

17-24 September 2014

Martha and I are looking forward to our return engagement at the fabulous B & B, Le Lavandin in the heart of the French countryside. Less than an hour from Avignon, in the tiny village of Pernes Les Fontaine is the setting for our Provence retreat. What a treat it is to be pampered by Georgia Perrin, our charming hostess at Le Lavandin. Imagine exquisite fresh baked pastries, fresh fruit and aromatic coffee under the canopy of trees every morning, art sessions in the dappled sunlight, and being surrounded by fields of lavender while you relax and refresh your soul in the poetic quiet interrupted only by the songs of birds.

Georgia gives a fabulous tour of the property which has the most beautiful landscaping, with olive trees (we ate olives and oil from her trees), pomegranate tree, passion flower, roses, lavender, vegetables and so many other magnificent trees and flowers. She is accompanied often by Utah, her Portuguese Water dog who is very well-behaved and quiet, except for the moment you might dive into the pool and he barks wildly until he is sure you aren't drowning. There are so many nooks on the property to relax and read, meditate, or just sit and feel the warmth of the sun filtered through the leaves.

The time passes quickly though. Every day is chock full of fun, fulfilling and fabulous events...morning walks along a country canal, yoga under a canopy of trees and intense blue sky, exquisite meals, served with such care and artfulness that every plate is an exercise in mindfulness, savoring the beauty, the tastes and the nourishment of the fresh picked vegetables and carefully mingled flavors. The art workshops are all conducted under a giant white umbrella at a long table in the garden. In September the weather was ideal, sunny, dry and warm with a light breeze, and June is usually even nicer. We paint, print and cut paper to our hearts delight right out in the garden. The Provence countryside and small villages are so picturesque that simply walking through the streets and marketplace is inspirational. There is always lots of time to just observe nature and relax.

Art workshops are designed to be fun and fulfilling for artists and non-artists alike. I have developed a teaching sequence that is so simple that you can't help but love it as you explore painting, mixing colors, observing nature, printmaking and creating collages and cards. In the process the stress and tension of everyday life falls apart and you will feel healthy and blissfully at ease. Martha's yoga classes are for all levels, comfortable enough for brand new-beginners as well as accomplished yogis.

You'll stay in luxurious rooms at the exquisitely landscaped and beautifully appointed Le Lavandin. Each morning will begin with a petit dejeuner---a french breakfast featuring the delectable breads, pastries and special morning offerings of the Provence.

About Sigrid Olsen

Sigrid is best known for her eponymous clothing line that closed in 2008. She has now re-invented her life as an artist, teacher, writer and retreat leader. Her Inspiration Retreats are based on her personal philosophy that our innate creativity is enhanced with mind body wellness practice. View her work on her website www.sigridolsenart.com.

About Martha Abbot

Martha is a Professional Level Yoga Teacher and was a director of Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training from 1998 – 2007. She is certified in Movement Therapy, Motional Processing and is a shamanic healer, a graduate of Alberto Villoldo’s Healing the Light Body School of Energy Medicine. She teaches yoga, does one-on-one healing sessions and leads workshops and retreats throughout the U.S. and abroad. Her website is www.spiritmovesyou.com.