The Art of Presence
7 Day Retreat in Sicily for creativity & inspiration
In this retreat, we delve into the essence of cultivating an unshakeable presence as a way of being, creating and crafting with our hands and exploring the artist that lives within each of us. This retreat offers a safe and inspiring space, fostering self-exploration, learning, artistic creation and the sharing of knowledge.
30 September – 6 October 2024 – only once a year!
“The unmediated presence of players with each other, with spectators, is the true purpose of live art… The essence of the experience is being there. The more our society dissolves into a mirror labyrinth of screens and telecommunication, the more vital is the experience of simply being with each other.
At each moment we are there to witness an event that has never taken place before and will never take place again. This is true not only of theater but of every instance in life. The key to creativity is other human beings”
― Stephen Nachmanovitch, The Art of Is
ABOUT THE RETREAT
What does it mean to have a profound presence? Do you sometimes notice yourself rushing through daily activities without being present? How can we learn to become more present in our relationships – also with ourselves- especially in challenging moments? In the Art of Presence retreat, we will explore the essence of presence and the sense of aliveness through various creative methods and practices.
The Art of Presence is a safe and inspiring space for self-exploration, learning and sharing knowledge. During the week we will transform and alchemise our bodies to allow ourselves to become the creators and artists of life, that we all truly are. We’ll delve into understanding triggers, navigating transformation, and tapping into the wisdom within our emotions through creative expression in a safe space. Additionally, we’ll explore our ability to transform by telling our stories through the power of movement.
This 7 day retreat is an invitation to the art of presence, healing, expression and arts. There will be a daily scheduled program of meditation, embodiment and movement practices, as well as a number of inspiring creative workshops from which you get to choose to attend according to your personal interests and feelings. A fun, collective final performance will be created with the group.
WORKSHOPS
Yoga & Meditation | Movement Anatomy & Movement Research | Art Therapy | Clay Creation | Planetary Dance | Sound Healing | Improvisation | Group Runs in Nature | Laboratories of Body & Voice Exploration | Vocal Folk Singing | Physical Theatre | Stream of Consciousness | Excursion on the Volcano Etna
FOCUS
- Learn and embody what presence means in everyday life
- Explore presence through various creative practices and ways
- Connect to the artist within yourself
ATMOSPHERE
- Learn, explore, experiment
- Living in the moment
- Liberating yourself from mental definitions
A DAY AT THE RETREAT
07:00 – 8:30 Meditation and Yoga
09:00 – 10:00 Vegetarian Breakfast
10:00 – 13:00 Movement Class
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 17:00 Free Time
17:00 – 20:00 Workshops
20:00-21:00 Dinner
THE PRICES & ACCOMMODATION
Shared dorm (5-6 people) – 750€
Shared triple room – 950€
Shared double room – 990€
Camping (tents) – Sliding scale 550-650€
For 7 days (6 nights) retreat including all classes, workshops, excursions, accommodation & 2 vegetarian meals a day
A deposit of 350€ is required to reserve your spot.
Due to the festive nature of this retreat, we are able to accommodate a bigger group, and the estimated group size will be around 30 people
THE PLACE “Femminamorta”
Femmina Morta is a place of art, meetings, concerts, retreats and parties, as well as a family villa, but above all, it is a place where nature transports us into peace of mind, into mysticism, in the search for harmony. Located on the East coast of Sicily, between Pozzillo and Carruba, next to the volcano Etna, the land stretches for seven hectares into a palm nursery where chickens roam around among lemon, mango and avocado trees. The property comprends a huge garden, a pool and a gorgeous yoga shala with the beautiful view of the volcano. The beach is 20 minutes walk away.
HOW TO GET THERE:
To reach the villa we can organize for you a transportation by taxi from the airport of Catania. Alternatively you can take a bus to Catania Central Station and from there a train to Carruba. We will pick you up at Carruba station (5 minutes away from the villa).
Your Retreat Facilitators
Giulia Anna Maria
Giulia used to be a lawyer before a transformative trip to Nepal that shifted her life completely. Inspired by spontaneous yoga sessions there with children on a rooftop, she followed her passion and pursued a 3-year Iyengar Yoga TTC in Berlin. Giulia has taught yoga to various communities over the last 10 years.
Embracing diverse roles, Giulia is the queen of transformation and she changed her identity many times taking different roles that allow her to have a very open mind and widen her understanding of humanity and society; she likes dressing as a drag queen for the Pyramid Parties, she’s a performer for Music Ashram and a nomadic gong player shuttling between Berlin.
Teaching for the Tara family for three years, Giulia embodies a nomad with an open mind and a deep understanding of humanity and society.
Filip Rutkowski
Filip is a performance artist, currently based in Berlin where he works as an assistant director at Maxim Gorki Theatre. Filip studied Cultural Studies at University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznań and Sabanci University in Istanbul. Already during his studies Filip started a practical collaboration with various OFF theaters in Poland and Norway, which then transformed into an on-going international profession in theater. Since 2018 Filip has been an active member of an art collective: Heart Chor, where he sings, performs, brainstorms, creates, organizes, produces and contributes to all forms of care required by the community. In May 2023 Filip co-directed “Heart Chor the Musical 3”.
Since 2012 Filip has been studying Iyengar Yoga and combines his artistic work with his spiritual journey. Combining elements of his theater and performance practice, Berlin club culture and individual practice, Filip has started a method of workshops called “Laboratory of Joy”, which creates a performance setting, in which participants look for ways to release their natural expression.
Linnea Lappalainen
Linnea’s own lived experiences and studies in yoga, psychology and holistic coaching lead her to understand the importance and interconnection between our emotions, experiences, mind and body. She learned to combine embodiment practices and human psychology, establishing practices that allow you to get in touch with your emotions, true inner self and wholeness.
Linnea’s heart beats with a fierce passion for deep inner healing and human potential, dedicated to empowering individuals and groups in awakening to their worth, owning their dreams and crafting unapologetic lives that resonate authentically with them. One way of doing this is by embracing our intuitive and artistic side, and Linnea loves to guide groups through various explorative movement and artistic practices as a form of self-discovery and exploration.
Linnea has been part of the creation of Tara Retreats and community for 4 years, teaching and organising various retreats.
There will be a number of creative experts and teachers on the retreat - guest teachers to be announced soon!
WHO IS THE RETREAT FOR?
The retreat is designed for individuals seeking a profound journey into their authenticity, empowerment and presence. Whether you are a seasoned yogi, a curious explorer of mindfulness or someone simply desiring a deeper connection with your performative skills, this retreat welcomes all who are eager to discover the transformative power of improvisation, art and connection. Everyone is welcome, no matter your age, your body and your experience in arts, dance and yoga.
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
Tara is reimagining the ways we connect with spirituality; shifting from individualistic to collective. 5% sales of every retreat will support local conservation groups or indigenous community projects. Empowering you to make inner transformation alongside meaningful collective change. The organization we support this year you can read more about in our philosophy page.
Frequently asked questions
Here is a packing list that you might find helpful when getting ready for the retreat ahead:
- Comfortable clothes for yoga and other activities
- Closed suitable shoes for walking/hiking
- Warm clothes for the volcano Excursion
- Swimsuit if you want to go swimming (we also have a Jacuzzi)
- Any instruments or toys you like!
- Journal and pens
- Toiletries (all natural products are suggested due to the organic sewage system)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat for sunny days
- Mosquito repellent
- Rain jacket (in case it happens to rain)
The most convenient airport to arrive at is Catania airport.
To reach the villa, we can organize for you a transportation by taxi from the airport of Catania. Alternatively you can take a bus to Catania Central Station and from there a train to Carruba. We will pick you up at Carruba station (5 minutes away from the villa).
For the latest information on our Reschedule & Cancellation policy, please click here.
Yes, we welcome everyone between the age of 18 to 80 to this retreat. We love having a variety of ages on our retreat and it is wonderful to see different generations connecting and sharing their wisdom with each other. On average our guests for this retreat are usually between early 20’s to 40’s.
Due to the festive nature of the retreat, the group size will be larger – between 30 and 40 people. The place, Femminamorta, is a large property with a lot of garden area, poolside lounge area, large dining facilities as well as spacious rooms. Additionally, the beach is only 20min walk away. Therefore, although the group size is a little larger, it is easy to find your own space if you need it.
You absolutely can! Most of our guests come alone and love the experience. It is a safe environment to be yourself and form authentic friendships. We have seen some of the most beautiful connections blossom during these retreats.