Where Ideas Breathe

The Magic of Creative Retreats

How often do you take time out for yourself to slow down and reflect?

In the frenetic modern western world we seem to be constantly on the go, juggling life’s responsibilities. We’re fearful that at any moment we might forget to send that important email to a client or miss an appointment at the dentist because we just have too many balls in the air. Yes, I have been there.

If you are making space for yourself and trying to fill it with a creative passion, this can feel impossible to maintain or even justify in the face of all those other demands. And so that knitting project, or that plan to rise early and write or paint or venture out to snap nature in the early morning light, can just become another burdensome task on the to-do list. The joy you’d hoped for is stomped on and put back in the box for when you find more energy or worse still, when you retire!

---

Having decided to fight these societal pressures and invest in myself, and my business, I recently spent time on two different creative retreats.

The first, Emma Gannon’s Tuscan Creative Retreat, which satisfied a long term personal dream to take time out to write in a stunning peaceful location. You can read about this creative adventure on my blog here. Safe to say it didn’t disappoint.

The second, Substack with Ease, led by Claire Venus, offered an opportunity to familiarise myself with the platform and define what I wanted to write about. It fell just a few days after my return from Florence, whilst I was still absorbing what I had learnt.

Hidden away in the rolling hills of the Oxfordshire countryside, it was a perfect way to spend another day of creative inspiration, connection with my fellow creative souls, gorgeous weather and yummy food. I came away with a clear vision of how to make Substack work for me. It also got me thinking about the essence of retreats and why they matter, especially for creative work.

Let me dive deeper and explain what I’ve discovered.

---

---

Seeing the Wood

One of the fundamental benefits of coaching is something known as ‘Clarity of Distance’ or in other words ‘seeing the wood for the trees.’ A coach has a different vantage point to observe their client’s situation and can reflect this back to them objectively. Similarly, a retreat takes you out of your normal surroundings, changes your perspective and allows new ideas to surface. For me, both retreats shifted my view. In Tuscany, I untangled a creative knot in my novel writing process. On the Ease retreat, I let go of any lingering doubts about the value of my content ideas.

When was the last time you truly stepped back to see the bigger picture in your creative work or life?

The Power of Connection

Retreats create space for deep, meaningful connections with other people on the same wavelength. Whether through shared discussions, creative collaboration, or simply existing in the same reflective space, the bonds formed often extend far beyond the retreat itself, nurturing friendships and supportive networks that continue to inspire. In both of my retreats, I felt the magic of coming together with like-minded souls - a lightness in knowing I have talented new friends who will lift me up.

How often do you surround yourself with people who truly inspire and elevate your creativity?

Reflections That Lead to Growth

Without the noise of daily responsibilities, retreats provide a space for introspection and personal expansion. Through structured activities, journaling, or quiet moments, you gain clarity, uncover new insights, and reset your mindset. This pause often leads to breakthroughs—both creatively and personally. I’m still finding it hard to express how positively these retreats have changed me. They have confirmed that my bold, intuitive approach to creativity will lead me where I need to go.

If you had uninterrupted time to reflect, what personal or creative breakthrough do you think might emerge.

Immersion Fuels Inspiration

A retreat is more than just time away; it’s an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a focused environment. Whether you’re refining your writing, exploring new wellness practices, or simply engaging in uninterrupted creative flow, the experience allows you to learn and develop in ways that everyday life rarely allows. The solo travel to Florence has inspired me to seek out more time for myself. Not as a selfish act but as a necessity; to give focussed attention to my creativity, my writing, and to challenge myself in new situations.

What could you create if you gave yourself full permission to step away and focus on your craft?

Taking the Retreat Home

The most valuable retreats don’t end when you leave. The lessons learned, the clarity gained, and the energy reignited all carry forward into your daily life. A retreat isn’t just a temporary escape—it’s a foundation for continued creativity, motivation, and meaningful action. I open my blog with this quote from Under The Tuscan Sun

‘Any arbitrary turning along the way and I would be elsewhere; I would be different.’ Frances Mayes.

I am left changed by both retreats. I was elsewhere. I am now different.

What lessons or insights from past experiences have stayed with you long after the moment ended?

---

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Which part of this resonates most with you? Have you ever experienced a retreat that shifted your creativity? Let’s chat in the comments!

---

What I’ve learnt.

Both retreats have given me plenty of creative inspiration. But most of all, although one was more personal and one more work focussed, I have gained two things: a clear direction for all my writing, and new lifelong friendships. Ultimately these retreats were not just escapes, they were investments in my creativity, in clarity and in finding my tribe.

For the full story of my Tuscan retreat, check out my latest blog post where I share some of the magic and just how much I have gained.