WORKSHOPS

Lessons in Loss Retreat

An Embodied Exploration of Grief

In this retreat, Courtney Moore, Abbi Custis and Kelli Anders will guide participants through this retreat, where we will explore grief through a holistic lens—embracing reflection, embodiment, and the gentle power of creative expression.

In this retreat we will…

• Reflect on the stories we carry about grief and the ways they have shaped us

• Explore how different cultures honor loss and transformation

• Listen to the body’s wisdom, noticing how it holds the grief

• Work with our own energy, softening into trust and expansion

• Awaken creativity as a pathway for shifting and releasing

• Gather in community and share a nourishing meal

Loosen the Anxious Brain and Unlock Creativity

Embodied Art Therapy Techniques Using Nature and Tools Without Brushes

This workshop offers participants an experiential journey designed to reduce anxiety, reconnect with creativity, and foster personal transformation. Grounded in neuroscience, somatic practices, and art therapy principles, this session highlights the therapeutic benefits of embodied art-making using non-traditional tools inspired by nature.

Anxiety disorders remain one of the most prevalent mental health challenges globally, significantly impacting emotional well-being and creative expression (Smith et al., 2020). Research highlights how engaging in creative processes fosters neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, and stress reduction (Jones & Brown, 2019). This workshop draws on the principles outlined in Art and the Brain, which explores the profound connections between creativity and brain function, as well as Beyond Anxiety, which offers practical strategies for overcoming anxious states through non-verbal, somatic methods (Magsamen & Ross, 2022; Beck, 2021).

This workshop introduces the “No Brushes Philosophy,” a technique that encourages participants to explore art-making using natural, tactile tools such as sticks, leaves, and hands. This approach removes common barriers associated with traditional art-making tools, inviting participants to immerse themselves in the process without fear of judgment. By promoting full-body engagement and somatic awareness, participants reconnect with their inner creativity while processing emotions in a safe and non-verbal space.