Cultivate inner peace through creativity.
Discover the art of mindfulness and the mindfulness of art.
Plus ** Using mindful art with children
This retreat is designed to help you slow down, reconnect with your creativity, and cultivate inner peace. We'll explore a range of art activities, including drawing, painting, and collage, all while learning tools for stress management and self-care.
As someone who has struggled with burnout in the past, I can attest to the importance of taking time for self-care. When we neglect our own needs, it's all too easy to become overwhelmed and disengaged, both in our personal lives and in the classroom. But by making self-care a priority, we can create a foundation of resilience and well-being that allows us to show up fully for ourselves and our students.
I truly believe that this weekend retreat has the potential to be transformative for all of us. We'll have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, explore the beauty of mindfulness and art, and develop personalized strategies for maintaining balance and avoiding overcommitment.
I hope you'll join me for this special opportunity to invest in yourself and your well-being. Let's prioritize self-care and create a more peaceful, supportive classroom environment together.
The ‘Art of Mindfulness’ is a unique and immersive weekend retreat designed to help you connect with your inner creativity, find peace in the present moment, and unleash your true potential. We believe that the combination of mindfulness and art can create a powerful interwoven experience that can lead to greater self-awareness, personal growth, and overall well-being.
The mindful art activities that we will be participating in are carefully designed to tap into your creativity and help you connect with your inner self. Whether you are an experienced artist or simply looking to try something new, these activities will allow you to explore the present moment and find inspiration in the simple things around you.
We will also be learning the principles of mindfulness and how they can be applied to our daily lives. You will be led through a range of practices, including mindful breathing, meditation, and mindful movement, helping us to quiet our minds and connect with our inner selves. Whether you are looking to reduce stress and anxiety, or simply to find greater peace and calm in your life, the mindfulness practices that we will learn at this weekend course are designed to help you achieve your goals.
This will be a hands-on, get in and play weekend. :)
Our program will include mindful art activities including mark making, neuro-art, mandala making, watercolour, and collage. Our final project piece will incorporate any or all of these techniques in a beautiful abstract mixed medium creations.
For those who are parents, teachers or working with children… you will also learn some simple ways to use mindful art practices that encourages exploration and creativity. As we explore the range of techniques, including drawing, painting and mixed media, we will discuss how these practices can be used to help children develop emotional regulation, self-awareness, and a sense of connection to themselves and others.
# Please note… While we do utilise art techniques as a tool for self-regulation and inner exploration, this is not art therapy. Please see the full explanation of this in the FAQs below.
This program is ideal for educators of students of all age groups, who are passionate about promoting student well-being and using art as a tool for learning and growth. With "The Art of Mindfulness" you will gain the skills, knowledge, and inspiration you need to integrate mindful art practices into your teaching and help your students thrive.
All participants will receive handouts on each of the activities we explore, plus ideas on how to use them with children.
Bookings NOW open!
Some of our Mindful Art Projects
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Mark Making
Exploring patterns in nature, we play with shapes and contrast
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Mandala Making
Create simple mandala designs
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Watercolour & mixed medium
Using watercolours, mark making, gold leaf, paint pens to create a beautiful mindful product
Location
The setting for this weekend retreat is the beautiful and serene environment of Nunyara Conference Centre, located at Belair in the Adelaide foothills. Surrounded by nature and peaceful scenery, this is the perfect place for us to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and immerse ourselves in the practices of mindfulness and art. I believe that this peaceful environment will play a key role in the overall transformative experience of the weekend.
Hotel Accommodation (downstairs)
Downstairs in the Nunyara Symons Retreat Centre are hotel style rooms, single occupancy in twin bedroom, with shared bathroom. All rooms have reverse cycle heating and cooling.
2-bedroom Apartment Accommodation (Upstairs)
Symons Centre upstairs accommodation consists of 2 bedroom apartments with 2 single beds in each room. We allow single occupancy, so you get your own bedroom (please note only one bedroom has a door) includes 1 ensuite bathroom for the apartment.
Bed linen and towels will be provided.
Catering
Nunyara offers an exceptional menu. Their highly skilled cooks will provide nutritious, vegetarian home style meals. The freshly baked biscuits and scones are always a favourite for morning tea. They are also able to cater for any specific dietary needs.
Our retreat venue
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Symons Retreat Centre
Set in the Adelaide Hills, enjoy time away while appreciating the breathtaking views.
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Accommodation
The apartment-style rooms accommodate guests in two adjoined rooms. All rooms will be single occupancy only.
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Beautiful Nunyara Grounds
Situated on spacious grounds in the Adelaide Hills - only 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD.
Retreat Facilitator
Jan Carey is the founder and director of the Centre for Mindful Education, an experienced mindfulness instructor, and a mindful artist. She has facilitated mindfulness courses to hundreds of participants and ran wellness events in Adelaide, Melbourne and in the stunning location of Bali.
As a nurturing facilitator, Jan is deeply committed to creating meaningful and transformative experiences for her participants. Her extensive travel includes living in India for three years, where she immersed herself in the teachings and practices of mindfulness and meditation.
Jan is highly regarded in the mindfulness community, and her work has helped to bring the benefits of mindfulness to many people across Australia and beyond.
Retreat inclusions
The retreat is a 2 day immersive experience and includes:
One night accommodation at Nunyara’s Symons Retreat Centre
All art equipment and materials needed for the activities
A Mindful art journal
A teacher resource pack of all the mindful art activities we explore.
Facilitation of mindfulness practices, meditation, breathing exercises, and body scans
Facilitation of mindfulness-based art activities; mark making, neuroart, nature designs, mixed medium
Opportunities for self-reflection and group discussion
Delicious, healthy vegetarian meals, including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
A daily program will be provided before the event.
The Cost
This retreat is restricted to 12 participants only. This allows space for single occupancy in each room.
$495 pp - single room in 2-bedroom apartment with ensuite (upstairs)
$495 pp - single occupancy in twin bed room (downstairs, with shared bathroom amenities)
$425 pp for Non-residential (breakfast not included)
FAQs
So, what is mindful art?
Mindful art is an interwoven experience of art and mindfulness in which the creative process and the practice of mindfulness come together to form a holistic experience. The idea behind mindful art is to cultivate mindfulness and awareness through the act of creating art. This is achieved by bringing full attention to the present moment, focusing on the sensations, emotions, and thoughts that arise during the art-making process. By engaging in this interplay of art and mindfulness, individuals can deepen their self-awareness, reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and joy.
In mindful art, the focus is on the process, not the end product.
Do I need to have artistic skills to participate?
No, this process is for everyone! Participants are encouraged to let go of any preconceived notions of what the art should look like and instead focus on the experience of creating. This allows them to tap into their inner creativity, connect with their emotions, and develop a greater sense of presence and awareness. By engaging in this mindful creative process, participants can learn to cultivate mindfulness and integrate it into their daily lives.
How does mindful art benefit us?
Mindful art is a powerful and transformative experience that combines the benefits of mindfulness with the creative process of making art. It provides individuals with a unique opportunity to connect with their inner selves, reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate a greater sense of peace and joy.
Is this art therapy?
Mindful art activities and art therapy are similar in that they both involve using art as a tool to promote relaxation, self-expression, and emotional well-being. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Mindful art activities are typically more focused on the process of creating art rather than the outcome. They involve using art as a way to become more present and attentive to the current moment, and to cultivate a sense of calm and relaxation. Examples of mindful art activities might include colouring books, doodling, or free-form drawing or painting.
Art therapy, on the other hand, is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making as a means of exploring and addressing emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues. In art therapy, the focus is often on the content of the artwork, and the therapist works with the client to interpret and understand the underlying emotions or messages that are being conveyed through the art. Art therapy is typically conducted by a trained and licensed therapist, and may involve more structured or guided art activities than those used in mindful art practices.
Who is this weekend program for?
"The Art of Mindfulness" is suitable for anyone interested in integrating mindfulness and creativity into their life.
The program is ideal for educators who want to explore the powerful intersection of mindfulness and creativity and learn how to integrate these practices into their teaching.
Can I claim this program as a tax deduction?
Teachers and educators working with children are able to claim our courses as professional learning for full tax deductions. Please check with your tax agent.
Are you ready for a transformation?
If you have any further questions, please contact
Jan Carey, Director Centre for Mindful Education: