Connecting to Spirit through creativity at the Nurturing Spirit retreat

At the recent Nurturing Spirit Retreat at Samish Island (Feb 27–March 1), we welcomed our special guest artist Kathy Nutt, a talented multimedia artist who works across a wide range of forms including ink drawing, acrylics, coloured pencils, printmaking, and photography. Kathy generously donated a beautiful mixed-media artwork for auction to help support the retreat titled Finding the Calm Through the Storm. Congratulations to Jeri Mortimore for placing the winning bid!

Throughout the weekend, Kathy guided us—even those of us who don’t think of ourselves as artists—through several creative practices designed to reduce stress, reconnect us with our spirits, and help us release thoughts and worries that may be holding us back. One of these practices was The Magic of Sigils, where we learned how to create meaningful symbols that focus intention and invite the subconscious to work its magic—blending creativity with mindful purpose.

We’ve attached an example of a sigil Kathy created, with the intention written beneath it. Although the process—from beginning with a word or phrase to transforming it into a symbolic design—seemed a bit daunting at first, Kathy made it approachable and engaging. Even those of us who usually limit our artistic skills to stick figures and quarter suns in the corner of a picture found ourselves able to participate and create something meaningful! And yes, I am referring to myself, Debra!

Kathy McAdam from Chilliwack reflected, “It was a weekend of creative freedom that allowed us to search our souls and discover new creative outcomes, insights, and responses we didn’t know were waiting within us.”

As many of you know, recent circumstances have made cross-border travel more challenging for Canadians wishing to attend Samish Island Retreat Centre in Washington. As a result, this year’s Nurturing Spirit Retreat was a smaller gathering of just 15 participants. Yet the richness of the program—and the spirit, creativity, and openness of those who attended—made the experience truly extraordinary. With the incredible support of the staff at Samish, our weekend was nothing short of amazing. 

For more information about upcoming retreats, opportunities to volunteer, or to share your ideas for future retreats and activities with Creating Connection Canada, please reach out to [email protected]