It is midday and I find myself in a beautiful house camouflaged at the top of a hill, overlooking the countryside on the east coast of the island.
The group of 19 women have just come back from a morning spent on an empty beach.
After a cold winter dip in the sea, which was followed by warm coffee or tea, they’re feeling refreshed and ready for what awaits.They take their refilled cups to the floor and prepare for their morning activities.
With everyone in a circle, we begin with some breathing exercises guided by Jana. We talk about the importance of letting go, and creating without expectations, simply to enjoy the process, be present and connecting with our environment. I was excited and little bit nervous to take my first class.
The exercise I had planned was to create unique watercolour beaches, which I thought was very appropriate considering the setting. I like this particular style, as it doesn’t have any limitation and allows each piece to be completely unique - true to the artist.
It was interesting to see how each individual was creating a version totally different from the rest, it felt refreshing and awakening.
Whilst the watercolours rested on the paper, my friend Aina led us in an exercise of creative movement in relation to what we had just painted.
Once Aina’s exercise was completed, the energy of the group was beautiful. The sun appeared at the perfect time for gathering around the table in the garden, where we had an amazing lunch.
I was fortunate to be invited by the yoga teacher and retreat host, Jana. I met her just two weeks ago - a conversation over a coffee was all it took for us to connect and know that we had to do something together.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, it was an incredible experience to be able to host my first art class, let alone it being amidst a beautiful Mediterranean retreat.
For more, check out Om One (@om_one_happening , @be.jana.rexha)