Written by Shanelle Schick
Picture this…… a day away from reality and life’s responsibilities in the sanctity of a spacious bell tent overlooking a tranquil river, trees blowing gently in the breeze around you and the opportunity for you to embrace Self Love Through Creative Arts.
Fiona Doig of Creating Calm has created a one-day retreat on a secluded property at Alton Downs, just 30km to the west of Rockhampton. The retreat is set for this Sunday 5th May. Fiona says “My heart and soul are full just thinking our our upcoming retreat. We will be spending a beautiful day amongst the trees overlooking the river in our beautiful retreat space. Words cannot even begin to explain the feeling of pure calm and the experience of feeling grounded that can come from simply being in this space in nature”.
In her adult A,B,C of Me Wellbeing sessions, one of the barriers that is often raised when it comes to Self Love and Self Care is time. There are some wonderful weekend retreats available locally, however Fiona saw the opportunity to create a Day Retreat, particularly for those women who are unable to spend nights away. The Day Retreat will allow participants to indulge in a retreat experience.
Fiona is passionate about sharing ways people can use Creative Arts therapeutically. She is on a mission to give participants a beautiful retreat day full of Self Love but to also empower them with the tools to continue their Self Love Journey at home after the retreat.
If you choose to join this magnificent one day retreat, you can expect to receive a beautiful sage smoke energy cleansing on entry to the retreat area, followed by joining together in the log circle to set intentions for the day head. You will then head into the Tee Pee to create your first entry in your art journal, creating Self Love heart/leaf paintings. A delicious lunch will be served, and you will be free to chat or find a quiet spot and soak up the calming, grounding energy. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to create a Gratitude Jar before heading out to the fire circle to discuss the power of music and voice in healing and Self Love, then you will be able to create your own melodic mantras and share in some songs. Following that will be an opportunity to lay out beneath the trees and learn how to do a self-Crystal Chakra Balance with the option to participate in some Medicine Drum Healing. A beautiful fire ceremony will bring the day to a conclusion after burning some of the barriers to Self-love and setting intentions for your continued Self Love Journey.
There are two ticket types available for the Retreat – The Standard which includes all activities on the day, materials needed for the activities including your own art journal, crystal chakra pack, gratitude jar you create and lunch. The Deluxe has all the inclusions of the standard ticket with the addition of a Create Calm take home tote bag with a beautiful box art set full of art supplies, Self Care guided journal, sage stick and a beautiful Self Love Intention crystal heart. Head to the Creating Calm Facebook page for all of the event details and to purchase tickets.
Fiona was nominated for recognition in the Mentor Category for The Hub Capricorn Coast & Coastal Kinesiology’s International Women’s Day Event. We asked Fiona a few questions in relation to her nomination and we’ve shared her answers with you below:
Recently, you were nominated for recognition in the Mentor Category for International Women’s Day, what does this mean to you on a personal and professional level?
My goal in my business is to empower people to improve their own wellbeing through Creative Arts and empower adults and children with tools for relaxation and regulation. To be recognized in the Mentor Category filled my heart with love and pride. I used to question myself, who do I think I am to assist others on their Soul Love journeys, when I have not ‘completed’ my own. I have since realized that Self Love is a journey not a destination and I believe most likely a lifelong journey. I love the quote ‘the best teachers are still learning and the best healers are still healing’.
What inspires you to mentor, nurture and nourish other business owners?
Running your own business is empowering and has lots of benefits like setting your own hours, and without a doubt the most important for me, getting to share something I am truly passionate about, to be able to put my hand on my heart and say ‘I love my work’.
All that said, it can be hard too, especially in the early years trying to establish your business, whilst trying to keep a work/life balance. For many years as an Activist Ambassador for the Body Shop (I became a consultant whilst on maternity leave with my son), I was particularly passionate about the Self Love uprising campaign. As passionate as I was, it became apparent that I was better at preaching than practicing, as I think can be a trap for many, particularly in the Wellbeing Industry. I want to encourage all those caring for and nourishing others where that’s in your work or personal lives or both to make time for YOU too. When we nourish our own Self Love, we become the best version of ourselves for us and all those around us.
What advice would you give to someone who is seeking a mentor?
Follow your instincts. I truly believe we are drawn to those who are meant to be a part of our story.