“Elizabeth created Squam Art Workshops and I have never met a person so insightful and warm, she has put together an experience which seems to adapt itself to each individual, offering just what that person wants or needs and allowing them to create their own unique experience while still being part of a community. There is magic in those woods, my science loving brain is working hard to process that but it’s still true, Squam IS where the magic happens.”
– Rachel Coopey (June 2015)
It seems hard to believe that one weekend could have such a long-lasting effect. How can a mere five days create a wellspring of ease, comfort and light that you can draw upon for the weeks, months and years that follow? As with any good magic, there’s a bit of mystery in the mix to be sure. What we know is that being in a sanctuary of natural beauty where the focus is on play and, explorations into creativity is, in itself, restorative. Add in the kindred spirits who come from all corners of the world to share ideas, stories, fresh perspective — and you have the makings of an experience that can root you more deeply into who you are — all the while helping you to expand you into the fullest expression of yourself.
No surprise then that “over the past decade, an abundance of psychology research has shown that experiences bring people more happiness than do possessions.” (The Atlantic) Oh, snap! I already wrote all about this years ago when I shared from a 2010 NYT article that said, “one major finding is that spending money for an experience produces longer-lasting satisfaction than spending money on plain old stuff.”
I’m thinking there’s really only one way to know if coming to Squam is exactly what you need most: check in with your heart. As we always say, if it’s not a YES, it’s a no.
Of course, if your heart is saying YES and your head is saying . . ‘but this sounds like crazypants’ the best thing might be to read some of the raves or take a look at how it went previously. Of course, there is no way to know exactly how it will unfold for you as each path is unique. However, for me, what I wrote following last Spring’s gathering still holds as my core truth:
I know that I am grateful to have a sanctuary in this world
where I can have my spirit strengthened through creativity,
through friendship, through love — so that I can return
to this world, more able to hold the light.
Below is our best effort to set your expectations correctly.
What you can plan for: twinkle lights, generous teachers, sweet walks through the woods, open hearts, vintage cottages, loons calling across the lake, laughter rolling up from the dock, time to breathe, night sky full of stars.
What you can’t plan for: the mystical connections and unexpected discoveries that will surely find you.
Friday morning and Saturday afternoon are all about free time for relaxing, hiking, exploring the antique shops, swimming, sitting on the dock, basically doing whatever calls to your heart.
And of course, don’t forget the EXTRAS: Spend part of your Saturday afternoon finding inspiration in the beautiful woods around camp as we create a magical Squam Totem with Kat Stromecki. Perhaps you will work with an acorn cap, a pine cone, or a sliver of birch bark — whatever you choose will be transformed into a sacred totem with stitches, fabric, an assortment of textiles and whatever else calls to your heart. This totem will be infused with your personal intentions and serve you in many ways, not least of which will be to always remind you of your time by the lake.
As always, there will be a number of dreamy yoga classes available for you, too.
