I can’t believe the day is here where I get to teach my very first 13 Step playshop. I am filled with fear, some anxiousness as well as excitement and joy. Teaching a painting process is totally new to me and it’s pretty intimidating when your teacher/leader makes it looks so seamless and easy. I had to remind myself, a few times, that I have something here to offer that is uniquely mine and to not compare myself to our brilliant teacher Shiloh Sophia or some of my very talented artist sisters that I traveled alongside with on this quest called Color of Woman.
My 2 day creativity retreat sold out weeks before the actual unfolding. I was so excited and this excitement continued to fuel me until well after the retreat. I personally invited a handful of people with whom I wanted to share this inaugural voyage with. A few of them extended invites to their friends. I was blessed to share the weekend ten wild brave women.
This teaching experience is critical and pivotal in this quest as it invites you to the edge and I believe we grow when we play with our edges. Teaching the 13 step process is very different than painting as an initiate who is unfolding and blossoming in her quest. You are invited to be present for your Beloved as well as letting go of attachment and judgements. I recommend creating a framework to guide your retreat and to keep you on track but please don’t get attached to it because the energy of the group may direct you in a different way. This requires deep self trust in you, in your abilities, and deep listening to your Beloveds and to the voice of your Muse.

Trusting your Muse in this unfolding is critical for she is mighty, brilliant and very resourceful.

Over and over again, I was in awe of what unfolded throughout the weekend. Each and everyone of my Beloveds blossomed throughout the weekend. I watched them come in with trepidation and leave with their painting of newly found Succulent Wild Selves accompanied by huge smiles on their faces. Some of the miracles unfolding during the weekend included: the releasing of 5 years of intense grief and sadness, a stronger connection to their inner voice, a rekindling with their inner child, and a re-connection with their artist self. It brought them tremendous joy to be witnessed by their beautiful sisters and myself.

Dear Ones, please, please DO NOT underestimate the power of the red thread ceremony!

We began with this beautiful ritual and ended our retreat in ceremony. As a result, my Beloveds dove in deep right from the beginning and each experienced some form of transformation throughout the weekend, including me. I had no idea what they would happen, but what they experienced blew the doors wide open in my heart. The weekend left me feeling like I was high! It took a few days to come down from the planet of sacred painting and transformation.
This creative retreat confirmed in unsuspected ways my gifts as a teacher. I have known forever in my heart I am a teacher. What I didn’t realize I’d be asked to let go of what I thought I was so I could open up to a new way of being in the world and teaching. To be honest, it takes time to adjust. Up until this quest, I had never imagined myself as teacher of creativity but now I can only imagine teaching Intentional Creativity®.
I stood in my courage and bravery and answered the call when it came knocking on my door. What will you choose to do when it comes knocking on your door? This potent magical, transformational process breathes new life into you and your life as well as that of your Beloveds. It all begins with a YES and a deep desire to serve love in all of it shapes and colours.

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Diane Merpaw: Intentional Creativity Teacher, Goddess Coach extraordinaire with a deep love and desire to inspire and empower women to heal and transform their heart wounds into the most succulent and delicious love affair of their life; that with themselves.
Visit Diane at www.dianemerpaw.com.