Recently I attended a writer's retreat facilitated by, Janna Lopez, a good friend of mine.

The goal for the retreat was to develop a plan for writing a book. The outline of the chapters, possibly the title, and a game plan for getting started.

What transpired during the retreat was a whole lot more than what I thought would happen.

As I learned more about the writer's journey and tapped into my soul, the possibilities of my writing, and creativity, I had a better vision for writing a book. I also gained insight into why I collaborated with Erin Boyt to create 'The Horse's Way.'

At the time, I never realized how this retreat would open my eyes to a better understanding of me and my vision for writing a book. Boy, I’m so happy I attended that retreat.

Believe me, I was scared to go, and so were the others that participated in the retreat.

So, if you are at all uncertain, blocked, scared of, or not sure where to start with your creative processes, read on.

Below is a piece I wrote while on the retreat.

In Love and Health,

Vonie

I open my heart to the blind parts of me.
I open my heart for that which I can’t see.
I open my heart to the possibilities so that I can see.
I open my heart to all that is within me; for now, my heart is whole and free.

I have a friend who graduated from school with a degree in music and then never picked up an instrument or sang again. I talk with a lot of creative people and have heard this story way too many times. It is beyond heartbreaking to watch incredibly talented, highly skilled people give up their craft because art school left them feeling completely demoralized. These people never lose their desire to be creative, whether they are aware of it or not, but are not quite sure how to build a healthy relationship with their art after years of being told they are not good enough.

I spend a lot of time thinking about the creative process and examining what blocks people from their muses. Most artists I know have been lead to believe, at some point in their lives, that to call yourself an artist, you must:

• Have God-given talent
• Go to Art School
• Achieve high standards in a particular art form
• Be financially successful with your art

In fact, the ones I've met who are the most creatively fulfilled have these five characteristics in common:

1. A Sense of Wonder
2. Curiosity
3. Playfulness
4. Challenge conventional wisdom
5. Intuition

. . . just to name a few. (Note that none of those are "must be good at art.")

Honestly, to me, this sounds like a list of things that every single person can tap into! Even if it doesn't seem to come naturally, we all have the ability to be creative. I believe many, many, many people can become creatively fulfilled without the requirement of being "good" at it.

On Saturday, June 19th, we begin The Horse's Way, a workshop specifically addressing creative blocks. Using Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way and with the help of our equine partners, we will take you through a 13-week program that examines your beliefs around creativity and ways you can begin to be work toward every artistic goal you can possibly dream of!

During this 13-week program, we will dive into and apply concepts such as

• Abundance
• Integrity
• Possibility
• Compassion
• and more

to tap into the creativity you already have! (I guarantee it is more than you think.) Register at this link and be sure to share it with your friends who may be interested in an equine-inspired and creative workshop. The more creatively fulfilled we all become, the more we inspire others to do the same!

Over the next few days, I'll share some specific information to prepare you for our time together. Be sure to add vonie@voniekalich.com in your contact settings, so we don't get lost in your junk mail!

We look forward to seeing you!

Erin (Guest Poster and co-facilitator of 'The Horse's Way')