Category: Creativity

The Value of Nurturing Our Intuition

February 20, 2024

This morning while taking an early walk around my neighbourhood park, I happened to see two fleshy, pink earthworms wriggling along the gravel path. The observation reminded me of a moment when, in 2017 on my first day ever of walking through the Cotswolds, I stopped to watch an earthworm wend its way up out of the rich, dark soil. That moment remains with me, because in that pause I remember thinking incredulously to myself, “When on earth do you have time in your normal life to slow down enough to watch an earthworm?” Since then, I’ve made it a habit to slow down and observe nature’s most inconspicuous creatures, as I often find there is wisdom to be gained from studying their activity.

While the rain clouds threatened to burst forth above me, I peered curiously down at the pair of worms. It was then that I noticed I was surrounded by at least a dozen earthworms, slowly inching away from the higher and drier gravel path towards the lower-lying mud and grass just a few feet away. They all had the same instinctive goal of making their way towards an environment that was best suited to them and their needs. I use the word ‘instinctive’ because I’m not sure that ‘intuitive’ would be the correct description for an earthworm’s process of determining its needs. Do worms intuit or do they just follow their natural-born instincts? I’m not sure, and quite frankly, I think that’s where my curiosity ends when it comes to worms. I am, however, very much intrigued by the intuition we humans possess, and am inspired by these creatures’ drive and ambition to do what’s necessary in order to make their minuscule lives count for something.

“We were given intuition for a reason, but if it’s not nurtured, it cannot serve the purpose it was meant to fulfill”

For the duration of my walk, I continued to ponder the value and cultivation of intuition. A couple years ago, as the fog of the pandemic began to lift, I realized that during that strange and stressful season, my intuition had taken a nosedive. My ability to make decisions with clarity and assuredness was no longer what it had once been. It wasn’t until some months later when I had the opportunity to spend 7 weeks hunting on my in-laws land in Mississippi, that my intuition received a reboot. Towards the end of our extended visit I realized there had been 3 things that helped me tap back into my intuition: silence, stillness, and solitude.

Hunting requires these three elements in spades and I was fortunate enough to experience them all at once over an extended period of time. On the days when I left the house before daybreak and made my way into the woods alone, my senses were on high alert so as to avoid a run-in with a wild hog. Whenever I crept through the woods, I had to move ever so slowly in order to observe nature’s signals without disturbing my surroundings. I noticed that the birds and squirrels would go quiet when a larger animal was present. I studied the ground for deer tracks and antler scrapes. I watched the weather and paid attention to wind direction so I could predict patterns of animal movement. When I sat for hours in a tree stand, day after day, I observed the comings and goings of the same lone spider, waiting patiently for a meal to land in its web. I was witness to the sun’s rising and setting along with my body’s own energy waxing and waning. I could not have been so alert and attuned to my intuition had I not embraced the trifecta of silence, stillness, and solitude.

“Prior to the pandemic I didn’t realize that my intuition was something I needed to cultivate and care for. It didn’t occur to me that it could become dull or tainted. But finding time for solitude, stillness, and silence is key to tapping into our intuition.”

On the afternoon of my 39th birthday, while seated alone in the tree stand, soaked from rain, I sensed the need to wait just a few more minutes until the last of the shooting light had disappeared. I was cold, wet, and frustrated, but my intuition prompted me to override my physical discomfort and emotions. I’m so grateful I heeded that intuitive sense, because shortly after I decided to stick it out just a bit longer, I was granted the perfect opportunity for a broadside shot. In the stillness I waited until my aim was steady. In the silence I could hear my breathing and paused until it had slowed. In the silence I could mentally run through all of the steps and safety checks I’d learned until the moment I squeezed the trigger. As a result of weeks spent re-cultivating my intuition, I was able to confidently make a clear, decisive kill that brought the animal down swiftly. By the end of our visit, I had shot a second deer and was able to fill our freezer for the next year. Even more rewarding than contributing to our family’s food supply was the return of my intuition, which would serve me long after the venison had been consumed.

Since that experience, I’ve paid closer attention to maintaining my intuition. Prior to the pandemic I didn’t realize that my intuition was something I needed to cultivate and care for. It didn’t occur to me that it could become dull or tainted. But finding time for solitude, stillness, and silence is key to tapping into our intuition. These elements give us space to think, pray, dream, hope, question, and sense, which in turn help us to navigate our spiritual growth, mental health, life circumstances, relationships, parenting journeys, physical well-being, creative expressions, and career paths.

If the concept of maintaining or tapping into your intuition resonates with you, but you’re unsure of how to integrate the process into your lifestyle, here are a few of my favourite habits that help keep up or refresh my intuition (especially since hunting isn’t an easy or consistent option for me, and probably isn’t your first choice either!):

Early morning quiet time before my family wakes up. I love sitting in front of the fireplace with my Bible, journal, and mug of tea. Notice I didn’t list my phone. I tap into my intuition best if the world hasn’t had a chance to invade my thoughts before I’ve attuned myself to God and spent some time in personal reflection following the night’s rest.
Walking is proven to stimulate creative thought, so whether I’m using the elliptical, walking through my neighbourhood, or hiking in nature, this activity helps to unleash questions and out-of-the-box thinking. If I schedule time to sit and write afterwards, or even follow up my walk with a voice memo, I consistently experience clarity of thought.
A hot shower always helps me to shed distractions and refocus my mind if I’m feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list or am struggling to solve a problem. By the time I turn off the water, I often feel like my decision fatigue has lifted and am able to make decisions with more decisiveness and less internal conflict.
Creative pursuits such as painting have helped me hone my intuition. When I reach a block in my creative process, I trust that my intuitive process will lead me in the right direction. I can also sense when I need to put down my brush, because if I don’t, I’ll begin to make a mess of my work. Painting is a process that helps me to recognize when my intuition is telling me to pause. When I pay attention to that internal stop light in my creative pursuits, I am able to recognize that same alert when it flares up in other areas of my life, and pause or backtrack as needed.
Limiting the world’s voice through carefully curating the content I ingest is integral to keeping my intuition sharp. News, social media, and entertainment all have a place in my life, but I have to be extremely picky about the quality and the quantity I allow into my day lest it drown out God’s Word, my own intuition, wisdom of wise counsel, and the input of those who matter most to me.
Social boundaries are probably the hardest element to implement in order to maintain my intuition, but I know that when I am over-scheduled or there is not enough time in my schedule for the silence, stillness, and solitude needed, I risk reducing my intuitive acuity. I am a social introvert, and experience a constant tug-of-war between saying ‘yes’ to social activities and prioritizing more restful, quieter ones that help keep my intuition ‘levels’ at their peak. However, when I look at the ‘long game’, I remember that rest helps me keep my calendar, social activities, and obligations sustainable, my decisions free from guilt, and my relationships as healthy as possible.

It can feel overwhelming to know where to begin when it comes to tapping into your intuition, but taking just one quiet walk or a half an hour of solitude before the world wakes up, and then repeating the process on a regular basis, can make a massive difference in how you tap into and utilize your intuition. There are many times when, in spite of what logic or rationale may dictate, we experience a nagging feeling that nudges us towards everything from how you pray for someone, to whether or not you get that spot or lump checked out, to an unease about the presence of a certain co-worker or neighbour, to that urge to help a stranger. We were given intuition for a reason, but if it’s not nurtured, it cannot serve the purpose it was meant to fulfill.

If you are longing for an extended time of rest that would enable you to tap into your intuition more fully, why not join me on my Women’s Walking Retreat in the Cotswolds. During our week of walks through the English countryside, you’ll have the time and space to let decision fatigue fade, the natural world speak to your senses, your spiritual life deepen, your imagination flourish, and your intuition reawaken. If you’re feeling conflicted, burdened, overwhelmed, or in need of a re-set, my Women’s Walking Retreat has been designed with you in mind.

As we walk, we’ll stop in ancient churches along the way where you’ll have time to pray or journal, and where we’ll sing hymns and connect. I’ll be teaching on creativity and rest throughout the retreat so that you can take the restoration and inspiration you experience and integrate it into your rhythms back home. My co-leader is a trained therapist and will be providing support if you’d like to process with her. This retreat is designed to offer a time of restoration and inspiration that will serve you for years to come. Please email me at hello@bringinginspirationhome.com if you are interested! You can also click HERE for details.

I hope to see you there! — Jaime

“I could not have been so alert and attuned to my intuition had I not embraced the trifecta of silence, stillness, and solitude.”

SaveSave

A Rusty Pickup & The Pursuit of Play

August 28, 2023

My husband’s 1999 dark green Dodge Dakota, with its 200,000 plus miles, broken air conditioning, and doors that don’t open properly, has been collecting cobwebs and growing rust spots while sitting on the side of our suburban driveway for the past 5 years.

“Ol’ Betsy”, Will’s affectionate nickname for his first vehicle, had been relegated to retirement in 2018 upon the arrival of both our third child, and a new (to us) white Ford F-150 that could accommodate carseats and get us places with more reliability. In spite of my gentle yet persistent ‘encouragement’ that he wish Betsy a ‘Bon Voyage’, Will just couldn’t find the time or inclination to part ways with the pickup that had borne witness to so much of his personal history.

Recently, however, my patience had been nearing the end of its tether. Over the past year, we’ve been paying to store a pop-up tent trailer elsewhere, instead of parking it where Ol’ Betsy had taken up residence. Essentially, this meant that the truck we hadn’t been using was costing us money on a monthly basis. Each month I would narrow my eyes at the storage company’s statement that came in the mail, draw in a deep breath, and pray for patience. Finally I’d sigh in recollection of my own hangups which Will has graciously abided throughout our marriage.

And then this summer, Will’s reluctance to give up on his old pickup paid off.

While I was in England leading my Women’s Walking Retreat through the bucolic countryside, Will found himself at the centre of a wild traffic accident which involved a 19-year old flipping his Honda Civic in the middle of an intersection and landing his car atop the hood & driver’s side panel of our truck while in mid-air. Unbelievably, everyone involved walked away from the accident. Our F-150, though technically drivable, was destined for demolition. We recently accepted the insurance company’s payout and have been on the search for another pickup ever since.

In the meantime, Will has, much to everyone’s amazement, gotten Ol’ Betsy running, smog checked, and registered again. Initially the plan was for him to drive her to work and back until a replacement vehicle was found. After which we would finally sell or donate the Dodge.

But then it started. First Will mentioned needing to replace the driver’s side window so he wouldn’t need to hold it up halfway when showing his badge at his work entrance. That seemed practical and made sense to me. Next he suggested fixing the interior roof panel, which I thought was an odd waste of time. We were sitting in the near dark under the olive tree in our garden on a warm August night, when he casually dropped the possibility of buffing the rust spots out and repainting them. Travis by his side for every trip to AutoZone. Ol’ Betsy restored to her former glory. I groaned inwardly. Ol’ Betsy hadn’t just received a new lease on life, she was going to get a full-blown engine-to-taillight makeover.

In my mind’s eye, I played out the next few years and envisioned a painstakingly slow process that would see Betsy sidled smugly up to my SUV on the driveway during her multi-year remodel and end in a triumphant finale featuring Will tossing the keys to our firstborn for her inaugural driving lesson. Exasperating in some respects, but not the worst outcome I could imagine.

So I kept my mouth shut and peered up at the first speckles of starlight gazing back at me through the silhouette of our garden grove, and realized that the possibility of redoing this truck was Will’s chance to play. To tinker, fix, and create. To teach our kids about mechanics and fixing things that still have a chance, instead of tossing something with potential and succumbing to the wild call of consumerism. It was noble and hare-brained and I loved him for it. He has loved me through, and in spite of, and because of so many creative, beautiful, wild ideas that don’t always make fiscal sense and often take up more time than they should. Here was my chance to extend the same grace and humour his desire for creative expansion.

Creative exploration & outlets do not require a purpose. Play need not have a specific outcome. Just as children require the opportunity to play in order to thrive, we too as adults need the chance to fling ourselves headlong into pursuits that allow our minds to unhinge, relax, and unravel. When this happens, all sorts of breakthroughs, solutions, and epiphanies can seep through the cracks of our stress come undone.

I believe that through the process of working on his old truck, Will is likely to experience lightbulb moments that have nothing to do with mechanics, but provide clarity in other areas of his life. Creative play and exploration have tangible, practical effects that can help us process our past, problem-solve in our present, and plan for our future. Who knows, maybe that future looks like seeing your 5 year-old son one day hop into the driver’s seat of your pickup from the last century and drive off into the distance.

“Creative exploration & outlets do not require a purpose. Play need not have a specific outcome”

Do you wish you could enter into a world of play in order to explore the possibilities and lose yourself in the beauty of creative output? Join me on my next Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds for opportunities to rest, play, and pursue creative outlets. Let your imagination be reignited on our weeklong walks through the English countryside and bring inspiration home with you. Click HERE for details & dates.

SaveSave

My Favourite Place to Stay in the Cotswolds

June 22, 2023

It would seem appropriate to kick off my Cotswolds Travel Journal series with where most stories start: at the beginning.

But I’m going to hold off and start somewhere else. I’ll circle back to the very beginning soon, but I’m going to start with my most favourite place to stay in the Cotswolds. I’d prefer to share about the sense of home that washed over me when I walked up to, then into, and finally out of (it will all make sense in a minute) the Stanton Guildhouse on Day 3 of my Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds.

I felt a kinship with this house, its gardens, and most obviously its views overlooking the English countryside the instant I arrived last year. When I returned this June, a flood of something that felt akin to a homecoming swept me up in its momentum and held me there in a cocoon of rest until we departed two days later.

The Stanton Guildhouse is a newer build that was completed in 1973, but constructed with the local (yet internationally renowned) Arts & Crafts movement in mind. Everything about the place is hewn using local building materials and traditional Cotswold styles, from the limestone facade to the hand-turned light switch pulls, from the enormous inglenook fireplace to the bank of mullioned windows peering out over the story-book setting below. It is truly magnificent, but in a decidedly comforting manner that makes you want to curl up with a good book, cup of tea, and cozy blanket.

This year, knowing what I would be returning to, I was eager to finish the final climb from the village of Stanton and gaze upon the guildhouse with its gardens spilling over in mock orange and roses aplenty. We let ourselves into the great room, instantly dropped our bags on the cool flagstone floor, then flung open the set of arched double doors revealing a stone terrace draped in blossoms and framing a feast for the eyes. Panoramic views of the Evesham Vale swept across the horizon. Sheep dotted the sunlit hillside nearby, and just below the property, a mare and her foal enjoyed a verdant pasture.

“The birdsong began early and the bees buzzed late, as they are prone to do throughout the long, languid days of an English summer. Rest felt effortless, guiltless, and good. The inspiration that surrounded us was simple yet stunning“

In all this, I sensed a feeling of home, though the space looked nothing like my home in California. It did, however, remind me of homes from my past. The views easily mimicked the vantage from my parents’ home where I spent my teenage years in British Columbia. The gardens reminded me of my Grandma’s floral paradise that she so expertly cultivated for many decades. The house itself, with its limestone walls, central hearth, and heavy wooden doors featuring beautifully forged iron hardware, echoed my Grandparents’ rural home set in the Canadian prairies. Collectively, aspects of the Stanton Guildhouse reminded me of some of my most beautiful childhood memories. This felt like an especially precious gift, as those homes from my past are no longer in my family’s possession.

The best part about being in a place that reminded me of the most beautiful parts of my childhood meant that I felt instantly at ease in my surroundings. Talk about an ideal setting for inspiration & restoration! As our 2-night stay at the Guildhouse included a day of rest from our village-to-village walk through the Cotswolds, we all had the opportunity to bask in the beauty of our surroundings. At one point while relaxing in a massive free-standing soaker tub, I heard strains of the score from Pride & Prejuidice wafting up to the second floor. One of my guests, Brianne, was playing the baby grand piano set snugly in the corner of the great room. For just a moment in time, I felt like Elizabeth Bennet after a long walk. But then the Downton Abbey score was carried in through the window on a breeze and I imagined Lady Mary lowering herself into the warm water after a dramatic hunt across the countryside. Ah how a soundtrack plus the English countryside can set one’s imagination adrift!

Throughout our rest day, women on the trip enjoyed coffee on the terrace, journaling with a view, a leisurely rest under a shade tree. Someone arranged fresh cut flowers in a window sill, enhancing the already impossibly lovely view. Three of the ladies hired a taxi and explored the surrounding villages for the afternoon. A few of us enjoyed a long pub lunch overlooking the valley. One of my guests pulled together a fantastic charcuterie spread for us to enjoy throughout the evening. We sat and discussed creativity and the effects of decision fatigue on our ability to thrive. The birdsong began early and the bees buzzed late, as they are prone to do throughout the long, languid days of an English summer. Rest felt effortless, guiltless, and good. The inspiration that surrounded us was simple yet stunning. I could have stayed in Stanton for a month filled with days like this, but as reality insists that is not to be, I will take everything I embraced that day and bring the inspiration home.

During my first few days back home, I am tempted to get all the things done. Be efficient, productive, make up for ‘lost’ time. Then I remind myself what the Guildhouse gave me and find time for books, pruning roses, and quiet moments with nothing but bees and birdsong to enjoy.

If you can see yourself taking in the beauty and being restored with time at the Stanton Guildhouse, click HERE for more details on my next Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds.

SaveSave

Reviews: Women’s Walking Retreat in the Cotswolds

June 4, 2023

The opportunity to reflect on the words of those who have trusted me to lead them on my Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds is such an encouragement to me. It is my hope, that if you are considering joining me on this incredible adventure, the words of past guests will encourage you to take the leap and try something extraordinary. Like slow down and walk. Observe the details around you. Pray, meditate, and process. Dream for the future. Live in the moment. Stop scrolling and turn off all your notifications. Let the rhythms of nature take over your body and allow the beauty of the English countryside to nourish your soul. All at the SAME TIME. Doesn’t that sound incredible? But don’t take my word for it. Instead, take a glance at what a few of my guests have had to say about their time on my Women’s Walking Retreat in the Cotswolds.

“I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least – and it is commonly more than that – sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements.” – Henry David Thoreau.

Cotswold-walker-at-Hailes-Abbey

Are you ready to step into a time of restoration & inspiration? Join me next summer as we explore the Cotswolds together. Click HERE for details and first dibs on spots for my Women’s Walking Retreat.

SaveSave

Tapping into Creativity in Spite of Decision Fatigue

March 12, 2023

Who is my Women’s Walking Retreat For?

February 26, 2023

When I first set out to design a retreat for women who wanted to join me on a multi-day village to village walk through the English countryside, I knew I wanted inspiration and restoration to be at the heart of the experience: restoration from past hurts, struggles, and failures, and inspiration to move towards healing, new dreams, and creative expression.

As I crafted the look and feel of the trip, and arranged the logistics accordingly, women I knew who had been through specific seasons came to mind. In the same way that I had been impacted by my experience walking through the Cotswolds, I wanted to provide women with the opportunity to reflect on their past, be present and unhurried in the moment, and dream for the future.

I’ve created my Women’s Walking Retreat with the following women in mind:

A woman on the edge of, or engulfed by, burn out.

This was me when I first walked the Cotswolds, so I knew what an exhausted woman would benefit from: fresh air, minimal distractions, non-strenuous activity, nourishing food, and restful sleep. Plenty of time to be present and do less. More disconnection from the world in favour of connection with God, nature, and her own mind and body. If you’re a mom, career professional, student, caretaker, ministry worker, volunteer, or servicewoman (or likely some combination of the above) you know what it’s like to put others first and shelve your own dreams and desires. Maybe you’re at the breaking point…or you’ve broken down already and need some respite. We all need green pastures and quiet waters from time to time. My Women’s Walking Retreat offers opportunity for rest and restoration in abundance.

A woman with big decisions on the horizon or plans to map out.

Perhaps you are on the verge of a major life change or a shift in seasons. Maybe you have some dreams that need exploring and refining. It can be difficult to process big ideas and new realities on the go, or with distractions competing for mental square footage. At the end of the day, you lack the mental capacity and energy to shift gears and get into a mindset of creating, dreaming, and planning for the future. With minimal decisions to make, and all logistics taken care of once you arrive in the Cotswolds, my Women’s Walking Retreat offers plenty of opportunities daydream, jot down your thoughts, and maybe even bounce ideas off others in the group. My daily Creative Coaching sessions along the way can help guide your approach to developing your ideas and making your dreams a reality.

A woman who’s always wanted to travel internationally.

If you have always had the desire to travel internationally, but haven’t yet embarked on that sort of adventure, it can be daunting to know where to begin. That’s why my Women’s Walking Retreat is a perfect starting point. I’ll come alongside you to help with your flights and packing lists. Our group threads on Slack can help facilitate ride-sharing from London airports to our first stop in the Cotswolds. On my Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds, you’ll be able to enjoy the adventure without worrying about logistics.

A woman who longs to tap into her creative gifts.

Every one of us posesses a river of unbroken creative potential. If your creative output has plateaued, evaporated completely, or just been on the back burner for so long you don’t know how to access it, I’ll be providing daily coaching on how to tap into your creative gifts. Prior to the trip, you’ll receive access to the Creative Catalyst, an online course I’ve designed to help you reignite your creativity. The harmony between nature and architecture in the Cotswolds, unfolding drama of the English weather, and sheer beauty of the settings we will traverse throughout my Women’s Walking Retreat are a wellspring of inspiration for your creative endeavours. Hone your observation skills and attention to detail while walking through a landscape rife with inspirational jewels.

“A truly fantastic experience – highly recommended for the scenery, the company, and the time away where your only responsibility is to put one foot in front of the other, find joy in nature and breathe deeply. Thanks for following your passion and leading us Jaime. I think I left a piece of my heart somewhere on the Cotswold path.” – Laura W.

A woman who wants to celebrate the wins!

It’s tempting to finally reach a goal, give yourself a pat on the back, then barrel towards the next milestone without ever stopping to acknowledge the efforts, sacrifices, and connections made on the journey. My Women’s Walking Retreat serves not only as a reward for ambitions achieved, but an opportunity to take time for gratitude and reflection. The beauty of the Cotswolds will compel you to pause and drink in the stunning surroundings. Cozy accommodations and delicious locally-sourced food and drink round out the experience in a celebratory fashion. If you’ve accomplished something big, or overcome obstacles on your path, join me in the Cotswolds and we’ll toast to your wins!

A woman who loves to travel and meet new people.

If you’ve always wanted to visit the English countryside, you’re intrigued by the idea of walking from village to village, or you like the concept of slow travel as an alternative to a whirlwind tour or jam-packed holiday, my Women’s Walking Retreat fits the bill. It also attracts women from a wide range of age groups, cultural backgrounds, and walks of life. While the retreat is perfect for someone new to travel, it’s also designed so that travellers who want to strike out on their own can venture further afield or have an experience that is more tailored to their preferences. As I’ll be teaching about tapping into your creative gifts along the way, there will be opportunities to delve into the creative process which can provide seasoned travellers with new perspectives and experiences.

A woman experiencing heartache or loss.

If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, a season of life, a home, a job, or a dream, my Women’s Walking Retreat is designed so that those who are brokenhearted can be cared for and encouraged. From the serene landscape that beckons you to breathe deeply, to the quiet old churches that invite you to bask in their beauty and light, to the company of other women who can offer their support and presence, I designed this retreat to serve as a balm for the soul. My dear friend Yanez, a registered clinical counsellor, will be walking with us throughout the trip, and can be sought out by anyone who would like to utilize her services. I want to be especially sensitive to your loss, and want you to know that my Women’s Walking Retreat is an opportunity for you to experience the space and support you need during this time.

You may fit into one or many of these categories. I certainly did the first time I set foot in the English countryside. Maybe you don’t fit into any and still want to come. You are absolutely welcome no matter what your season or situation! God used this tranquil slice of countryside to touch me in such a lasting way that I can’t help but want to share it with other women. I hope you’ll join me on my Women’s Walking Retreat thought the Cotswolds — an extraordinary adventure that I trust will impact and inspire you for years to come.

Ready to book your spot? Click HERE for all the trip details you need!

SaveSave

My Inaugural Women’s Walking Retreat in the Cotswolds

October 3, 2022

I was beyond giddy when I stepped into Stow-on-the-Wold’s town square. the trip was finally happening. It had been over 3 years since I first envisioned returning to the Cotswolds with a group of women, and over 5 years since I’d been on my first long-distance walking adventure through the English countryside.

view-of-cotswolds-from-stanton-guildhouse

Initially, my Women’s Walking Retreat had been planned for June 2020, but just months before my inaugural trip, Covid-19 turned the world upside-down, and like everyone else, I watched with frustration as my plans and prospects shifted overnight. However, as 2022 approached and travel opportunities began to reopen, my spirits brightened with the hope of another chance to bring a group of women on a weeklong walk through what is known as one of England’s ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

Of the women who had booked spots on my retreat for 2020, only 2 were able to re-book and join me in 2022. They were a mother-daughter duo I knew from British Columbia. The rest of the Canadian contingent was made up of another mother-daughter pair, which included one of my past brides (I was a wedding photographer for the first 7 years of my career), a fellow photographer whose wedding I had also shot, and my friend Yanez who helped me co-lead the trip. The Americans who came included 3 women I knew from my church and homeschool community in the Bay Area, as well as 2 more women I didn’t know, another woman from California and the other from North Carolina. I was excited by the diversity in age and backgrounds. I couldn’t wait to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and watch fresh introductions result in meaningful bonds. I also felt like I was embarking on something truly extraordinary in my life – the realization of long-awaited dreams coming to fruition.

group-of-women-hiking-cotswolds

One evening, when I was 16 years old, I found myself standing on the banks of a tributary of the Volga River in southern Russia. I was at a Russian summer camp with a non-profit organization, and it was my first experience abroad. As I watched the sun sparkle on the watery horizon, I reflected on how alive I felt. I knew in my heart that I needed to do this for the rest of my life: ‘this’ being traveling the world and building relationships with people along the way. I was uncertain how to achieve this, but as quickly as I could form the question in my mind, an answer I knew was from God struck a chord deep inside: ‘photography’. The solution resonated with me as one that would satisfy both my practical side and my passionate bent. Over the next 23 years I pursued an educational path and photographic career that allowed me to travel and build relationships just like I’d dreamed of doing. However, each of the endeavours I embarked upon always seemed like stepping stones, training that would lead to something I couldn’t yet imagine.

Sheep-on-cotswolds-hillside

“There were fields to traverse filled with spring lambs, pot pies and pints that warmed us from the inside out after a long day of walking, and soul-stirring renditions of classic hymns sung in tiny churches that had us all in tears at some point or another.“

And then this past summer I found myself on the cusp of of an adventure that had me leading a group of women to England on a long-distance walk through what is undoubtedly the most tranquil slice of countryside I’ve ever encountered. Hardly a daring feat to be sure, but as close to being in my wheelhouse as possible. I had found my niche. It was all the things I loved (travel, relationships, beauty, slowing down) combined with the things I was good at (organization, attention to detail, photography).

view-from-inside-cotswolds-church-window

As we set out on our first leg of the trip, I was as electrified as I had been that summer evening in Russia, but this time I had decades of hindsight to reflect upon. Everything had lead to this moment and the surge of emotions welling up within was at its peak. I was excited, reflective, and nervous. I was nervous that I would get the group lost (we got turned around a few times), disappoint group members (I’m human, it happened), and things I’d never do again (the manor house some of us visited was so bizarre it won’t be repeated), but I knew that in the end, a first big excursion like this is bound to have its hiccups. Thankfully, everyone was gracious and encouraging, and I was able to learn a LOT about how and what to tweak for future trips. I love learning and growth, and stumbling is, unfortunately, a requirement for progress.

mauve-rose-in-cotswolds-village-with-dew

Wild-roses-cotswolds-field

But overall, the trip was, if I do say so myself, a smashing success. The scenery and weather were unbeatable, the food and drink nourishing and inspirational, and the conversations and connections just as meaningful as I’d prayed for. There were fields to traverse filled with spring lambs, pot pies and pints that warmed us from the inside out after a long day of walking, and soul-stirring renditions of classic hymns sung in tiny churches that had us all in tears at some point or another. I had envisioned a Women’s Walking Retreat that would provide us all with inspiration and restoration as we explored the English countryside together and from what I’ve been told by the women who joined me, our time in the Cotswolds delivered.

There is SO much more I could say about each and every day of the retreat, and at some point in time, I’m sure I will. However, perhaps the best way to fully understand what my Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds is all about is to join me in person. If you’d like to learn more about my next Women’s Walking Retreat, click HERE to find out more. I can’t wait to see you in the Cotswolds!

Want to read more of my past reflections on the Cotswolds as well as my thoughts on the benefits of walking? Click HERE for more blog posts.

SaveSave

The Power of the Print

January 18, 2022

After my Grandpa passed away this past New Year’s Eve, the search began for photos to reminisce over and to use for the funeral. The process reminded me of how, several years ago I needed photos for my maternal grandmother’s funeral, and how frustrating it was to scroll endlessly through photos on files, phones, and social media platforms. I found it a draining process compared to the ease with which I flipped happily through family albums. When confronted with the contrast between searching for photos on a screen versus thumbing through tangible photos, I knew then that I wanted to ensure my most treasured memories would be in print form, not just stored on a device or platform.

But how to begin? Well, over the past few years I’ve developed strategies to help with photo organization and storage based on my years of experience as a wedding photographer. I even created a short course to help others tackle digital clutter. You can check out my Digital Declutter Mini Course HERE.

Today, however, I want to talk about the Power of Prints and why photographs in print have an inherent value. Let’s dive in.

Prints are easy to pass on. If you’ve ever been given a shoebox of old photos passed down from a relative, or have gifted a photobook to a loved one, you know just how simple the process of hand-delivering or shipping photos can be. And the great thing is, no matter how mediums or devices change, a photo in your hands will always be an easy treasure to access. Just imagine 30 years from now, when our current social media platforms and devices are obsolete, and your children or grandchildren want to see photos from your youth or their childhood. Are we really going to expect that we can log in to old accounts or dust off clunky hard drives and find our photos? And even if we could, how mind-numbing will it be to have to scroll endlessly through thousands of digital files? I realize I paint an abysmal picture, but as we live in an era of digital hoarding, our cherished memories are going to be harder to access than a shoebox or collection of albums stored on a closet shelf. This is why printing off a small collection of photos even a few times a year can be a relatively simple solution. And if you’re wondering about whether to print off books or traditional prints, well, I go into more detail on the pros and cons of each in my Digital Declutter Mini Course.

2. Prints encourage us to practice PRESENCE. When we scroll through our devices, we often impatiently swipe from one photo to the next without much thought or consideration. However, when we sit with a photographic print, we are invited to use more of our senses. We can feel the sharp or bent edges of a print or page, run our fingers over the glossy or matte finish, turn the photo over to see if details have been added in someone’s personal hand, look at the details present in the image, observe the quality or age of the paper, even catch a whiff of the musty box it came from or the chemicals that were used to create the print. When more of our senses are engaged while viewing a photo, the more chances that image has to imprint on our memories and stay etched in our minds’ eye. Photographic prints be they in book form, hung on a wall, organized in an album, or loosely collected in a box are powerful in their ability to help us stop, use our senses, and memorize the details. There is a reverence that comes with looking at prints in person that does not translate to viewing images on screen, and the effects can linger for a lifetime.

3. Prints are the final step in an historic process. For most of the photograph’s history, the print has been an essential part of the process. Only in the past two decades has the photograph been able to skip a step and find its final form on-screen. But prior to this, the print was always a part of the photographic process.

When I think back to my first days in a darkroom in the early 00’s, I recall first taking my wound spool of film into a blackened out room where I would extract the film from its canister and slip it into a protective container. From there, the film would be exposed to a round of chemicals that would help develop the images and then stop the processing. Next they would be extracted and hung to dry. Only then could I cut my negatives, line them up to create a contact sheet, grab my loup with which to peer down at my images in closeup detail, and then mark which ones were acceptable for printing. Tedious work indeed. But that was only the beginning!

At this point, I would then take my selected negatives and slip one into an enlarger in the darkroom. The image would be projected downwards onto whichever type of photo paper I deemed fit for that specific image. Filters would be experimented with and knobs twisted to acquire just the right contrast and focus. When all was ready, I would set the timer and expose a fresh sheet of paper to the light and within seconds, an image I couldn’t even see would be burned onto the photo paper. Another round of adjustments would be made to test different variations. Eventually, the exposed sheets of paper would be slipped into a series of baths where chemicals would slosh over the still blank-looking paper. And finally, voila, an image would appear out of the vapours as if by sheer magic (which it really was!). After extracting the completed images from the final bath, I would lay them flat to dry or hang them in the amber light. Once the drying stage was complete I could take my photo out into the light of day to see whether or not the image was acceptable. More often than not, it was subpar, or another image needed to be chosen, and another round of experiments run through. The combined tedium and magic of it all was intoxicating. I suppose the pungent aroma of chemicals may have had a heady effect as well! But the print, when complete, when as perfected as much as I had patience for, was the zenith. While the photo had been there all along, from the moment I clicked the shutter to the moment the exposed photo paper had been dipped into its first in a line of baths, the print was the photograph finally come into the world. The print came after a long gestation, and there was an awe it carried with its physical manifestation.

By and large, we’ve lost this beauty of anticipation and process in the immediacy of the shoot-and-share era. Of course the new way carries a magic of its own, but when we print our photos, we become a part of an historic process. Sure, the photographic process has evolved, and the steps from image creation to printing may only mildly harken back to an earlier time, but when we create something that we can hold in our hands, even a digital print, we help to complete a full (and fulfilling) process. Holding something in our hands that has been created is a grounding and powerful experience that should not be lost.

I realize that I could easily come across as a dinosaur in my descriptions of the ‘long-lost print’, but I believe that if we imagined a future generation missing out on photos in print, we would mourn the loss of something truly special. Prints are part of a powerful legacy and are easier than ever to print and pass down.

If you want to learn more about getting your photos sorted, stored, and shared easily, click the link HERE for my Digital Declutter Mini Course.

SaveSave

3 Easy Ways to Tap Into Your Creativity

September 5, 2021

One of the most common refrains I hear when I’m chatting with someone about creativity is, “I’m not very artistic”. Sometimes the same sentiment is phrased as, “I’m not really the creative type”. And my response is twofold: 1) You don’t have to be an artist to be creative, and 2) We are all inherently creative, it’s just a matter of discovering what those unique creative gifts are and finding ways to tap into your creativity.

No matter what your beliefs about human origins, we each started out as a created being. As created beings, I believe we are all endowed with the ability to re-create. Whether that’s a tower of blocks or the Sistine Chapel, a batch of cookies or the cure for cancer. Children are naturally uninhibited in their creative expressions which are spurred on by their curious observances about the world around them. But as children get older and become more self-conscious, they begin to compare their creations and often hold back if they feel theirs are inferior. Curiosity, play, and unstructured exploration fade as responsibilities and more formal education take their place.

By the time we are adults, creativity is often viewed as something that those with creative professions use regularly, or a luxury that the rest only enjoy occassionaly as a hobby. Creativity isn’t usually something we’re encouraged to tap into on a daily basis in order to thrive.

That’s why after becoming a mom, and experiencing creative burnout after a decade of working as a professional in what’s considered a ‘creative’ industry (photography), I became passionate about helping others, women in particular, tap into their creativity. When I realized that I could harness my creative gifts in order to thrive during all seasons and situations that life threw my way, I knew I needed to share my discoveries. And so in 2018 I founded Bringing Inspiration Home as a space to share how we can bring inspiration from the world around us into our lives and utilize that inspiration as a springboard for our creative exploration and expression.

But why is tapping into our creativity so important and how can we do that without overhauling our entire lives or putting more pressure on ourselves? I’m going to share a few of the reasons why I believe tapping into creativity is so vital and how we can do that by using just a few very accessible resources.

Why Tapping Into Our Creativity Matters

When we tap into our creativity on a regular basis, we begin to gain a deeper understanding of our true passions and unique giftings. When we become clear and confident in those areas, we are more likely to use our abilities and share our gifts in areas that bring both us, and others, life. And when we are using our gifts and abilities with passion and purpose, we also become more adept at saying ‘no’ to requests or opportunities that drain us. That’s not to say we never pitch in where needed because we’re asked, or roll up our sleeves to to do something that’s not in our wheelhouse. Of course there are times when stepping in to serve is required of us, and that’s both good for us and those we are coming alongside. But if we are routinely out of step with our giftings and creative abilities, then we will always be saying ‘yes’ to things that don’t enable us to thrive. When we tap into our creativity on a regular basis, we help ourselves discover what makes us tick and that helps us to live abundantly.

2. When we tap into creativity, and know our true passions and giftings, we create in such a way that we produce our very best with more ease and impact than we do when we work without that awareness. That doesn’t mean our efforts are easy or come without struggle, but when we connect with our deepest creative longings and hone the abilities that help us thrive, we stand a strong chance of inspiring, encouraging, and helping others with our creative expressions.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” Maya Angelou

3. When we tap into our creativity on a regular basis, we shift our mindset from focusing on what is beyond our control to what we can create, solve, innovate, and enhance. This mindset shift helps us to thrive when seasons and situations threaten to overwhelm us, because we become focused on a positive outcome instead of becoming mired in the ‘what-ifs’. I come from a strong line of worriers, and believe me, almost nothing I’ve ever worried about has been solved through worrying. Also, most of the things I’ve worried about have never transpired, which means I’ve wasted valuable time that could have been spent creating beauty, inspiration, and solutions!

4. Tapping into our creativity is just one way that helps us to intentionally process our experiences and emotions. Tapping into creativity is a vehicle that can help us pull up out of a season of survival and return to a season of thriving.

If all or any of these reasons for tapping into creativity resonate with you, then let’s talk about 3 ways to do that on a consistent basis.

Walking | Observing | Gathering

When we walk, we can’t do much else with our bodies. The action allows our minds to wander or focus, but we can’t really do much when our arms and legs are preoccupied with the present activity. And studies have shown that walking, whether indoors or outdoors, stimulates more creative, organic thought both while walking AND afterwards, than for those who have remained sedentary while trying to innovate. Walking and talking or walking and thinking have been a dynamite duo for millennia. From Jesus to Steve Jobs, walking has been a tremendous vehicle through which contemplation, restoration, exploration, and innovation have impacted society. And most of us can do it. In fact, most of us walk every day. But while we don’t usually walk with the kind of intention that can help us harness our creativity, it’s not difficult to start. Personally, I find that observation is a skill I can practice easily while on foot, whether I’m meandering through my garden or hiking the hills near home. I pay attention to the light, the sounds, the smells, the views overhead and the details underfoot. I look for differences that have occurred as the seasons shifts and make comparisons. And then I gather. I gather information and inspiration via iPhone photos. I gather physical items found on the path or clipped from a dead branch. I bring these things home to share with my family, use in decoration, or just to observe more closely. If you’d rather not bring anything into your home, just touch the things you see (the ones that won’t have a nasty side affect of course) and experience the feel of a fallen acorn or a fern as its leaves curl with the dryness of summer. Through walking, observing, and gathering, you awaken your senses and tap into your creativity.

2) Reading | Observing | Gathering

Almost all of us read every day. Granted we might do that more on a device than with something tangible on our hands, but reading at its most basic level is a form of tapping into creativity that is achievable for most of us. While I tend to listen to plenty of audiobooks and do my fair share of scrolling, there is truly nothing like the sensory experience of picking up a tangible book, magazine, or newspaper. Reading is also one of those experiences that you won’t regret, like a walk. I’ve never regretted any time I’ve spent walking or reading, whereas I have regretted time spent scrolling.

If reading feels daunting, I’d recommend starting with a magazine as they take little commitment and are filled with visual inspiration. Books that you can crack open and start almost anywhere, like a book of poetry, letters, essays (travel and food essays are my favourite) also offer easy entry. Coffee table books are also usually lighter fare that offer ideas on anything from gardening to home design to travel and beyond. Reading, like walking, is one of those things that builds momentum once you hit on an author or genre you enjoy. And as you read, you can enter more deeply into the experience by observing lines or sections that inspire, irritate, or challenge you. Consider which aspects of the book spark interest. Is is the content or are you also drawn to the feel of the book, the font, the art on the book jacket, or the bio on the inside flap. What about the weight of the book do you like or do you find cumbersome? These are all observations that will help awaken your creativity. And then take the time to gather. Highlight sections or dog-ear pages (of books you own) that really impact you. Underline words that you want to look up. Gather vocabulary you’d like to integrate into your own lexicon. Journal about or re-write passages that have made an impact on you. And then look for more books that draw you deeper into the subject, or are written by the same author, or that expand your knowledge of a certain genre.

3) Resting | Observing | Gathering

Resting is something we all do, but not always well. We sleep, but we don’t exactly tend to rest well in our society. We go on vacation, we nap here and there, we lounge around the house on a Saturday morning. But when we rest with more intention, we can also activate and tap into our creative zone.

Now for some, resting might look like meditation—a quiet room, recitation of Scripture, prayer, or affirmations. But for others it might look like pruning in a garden or beachcombing by the ocean, or exploring a city street. It might mean sitting on the couch reading books to your children, or relaxing on the porch after a long day with a glass of wine. Resting revolves around minimal activity so that your body and mind can relax and so that you can process your situation or relieve yourself of stress. If you were to rest on a regular basis in order to tap into your creativity, what might that look like? Consider where you would be and who might be with you. What time of day is most restful for you? Are food and drink involved? How long would this time last?

One thing I recommend inserting into your vision of rest is the limiting of devices. Silent, but even better, stowed away, will enable you to experience a more full and present rest. While you’re resting, take time to observe your surroundings and the people you’re with. Take note of your breathing and of how your senses are being stimulated. Let go of negative thoughts and mindsets and invite truth and positivity into your mental space. To go even deeper, gather your thoughts and observations by journaling. If that feels too difficult to tackle, jot down the things that you’re grateful for, even just the things and people that are surrounding you in this place of rest. If your moments of rest are short, make them sweet. Make sure to have your coziest spot and most relaxing drink easily accessible so you can enjoy them even when a sliver of time transpires. Can you keep a lap blanket and slippers in a drawer at work with a thermos of tea nearby for a short break? Do you have a notebook and pen next to your favourite chair in the backyard with a bottle of kombucha chilled for when the kids are down for a nap? Intentional rest that restores and invites creativity might require a little prep…just like a walk or a good read.

If you can practice some or all of these very simplistic yet intentional activities on a regular basis, I can guarantee you’ll clear your mental space and open up a floodgate of creativity. The wellspring is there within all of us, it just needs a little nudge in order to release the flow.

If you’d like to learn more about how to harness your creativity and integrate it into your daily life, my Creative Catalyst is a 12-week coaching experience that walks you through tapping into your creativity and harnessing it in order to find forms of expression that fit your lifestyle and fulfill your purpose. I use a combination of short weekly audio teaching and weekly coaching calls to help tap into your creativity and nurture creative rhythms that help you thrive, as well as help you take seedlings of ideas and bring them to fruition. Click the link HERE to find out more. Doors open only a few times per year.

SaveSave

The Creative Benefits of Walking

July 11, 2021

In 2017, I took an 8-day walk through the English countryside, traveling from one village to another, walking from approximately 9am until 3pm each day, with short stops and a lunch break in between. I had a walking partner, but often we would be spaced out enough to experience a sense of solitude which allowed my mind to wander. I spent time observing my surroundings, from the intricacies of dry stone walls surrounding local farms, to delicate crimson poppies fluttering in the breeze, to an earthworm wending its way up from the wet, dark soil. I realized that in my daily life back home, I moved too quickly to appreciate the small details and nuances surrounding me.

While walking for hours each day, I found I had time to pray and meditate. Not just ‘help me’ pleas or ‘thank you’ prayers, but prayers in which I spent more time listening to God than talking at Him! I let myself dream for the future, reflect on the past, and be present in the moment. Walking kept me moving without the distractions of a screen or a to-do list, without the interruptions of tasks or toddlers. I brainstormed and problem-solved both projects I was working on back home and how to get from one village to the next that very day. By the end of each day I felt like my mind had reached new critical and creative heights. And when I returned back home to California, the flood of ideas didn’t just slow to a trickle, they continued to flow! For months my creative output surged, which I believe was due to my long-distance walk. Bringing Inspiration Home was one of the direct results of that walking trip, which compelled me to invite other women to join me on a similar experience — a Women’s Walking Retreat through the English countryside that had to be postponed in 2020 and is set for 2022.

Since my return from walking through the Cotswolds in 2017, I’ve delved into the art and science of walking, along with its benefits, specifically regarding creative output. It’s become a subject of deep fascination for me, and I’m passionate about exploring its nuances.

For many of us walking comes without much thought. We get up and go, using our bodies to propel us into the day ahead. Throughout our lives, we are reminded how beneficial walking is for our bodies and our health, but how often are we encouraged to walk because the very act will enhance our creative output? It’s a fascinating idea, with the direct benefits being scientifically legitimate and the historic examples undeniable.

From Jesus Christ to Jane Austen, history is filled with men and women who used walking as a catalyst for teaching, reflection, innovation, and creative expression. The ancient Greeks such as Aristotle and Socrates viewed walking and thinking as inextricably linked. Beethoven took long afternoon walks, pencil and paper in hand, ready for inspiration to strike. Virginia Woolf read her book drafts aloud during daily walks. Jane Austen developed a fantastic repertoire of female walkers and gave us a detailed glimpse into her surroundings as a result of her own long walks with her sister Cassandra. Steve Jobs was known for his Silicon Valley walking meetings that spurred on innovation and productivity. Jesus of Nazareth imparted wisdom upon his disciples in the wilderness and sought solace there as well. The art and act of walking, has a long and noble heritage that we can tap into and benefit from thanks to the inspiration of those who came before us.

“I realized that the decision-making process is something that has to be cultivated and protected when life gets busy or circumstances feel overwhelming.“

But what about the science to support the historic evidence that walking impacts our creative thought? One of the more interesting studies done on the relationship between walking and creativity was a 2014 study done at Stanford University by Marily Oppezzo and Daniel Schwartz. They tested a group of 176 participants to see how walking (both indoors and outdoors) had an impact on creative, original thought, compared to the act of sitting still and attempting to generate new ideas. In the experiments, those who walked while brainstorming ideas created twice the amount of novel uses for a specific item than those who sat still and did the same thing. Interestingly enough, those who walked first and then sat down to work, still generated a higher number of fresh ideas than those who sat for both experiments. The act of walking had a residual effect on the creative mental process! And get this, the number of creative ideas was not limited by walking on a treadmill in a windowless room. It was the sheer act of walking (not necessarily the environment) that helped stimulate creative, original thought.

One important thing to note is that the 2014 Stanford study also included a group who were pushed in wheelchairs outdoors. This group experienced more creative thought and novel approaches than the group who sat indoors for the experiments, but less than the group who used a treadmill indoors. The study allowed that further experimentation should be done to test a group who is pushing themselves in wheelchairs, since the activity may have an even more beneficial impact on their creative output.

In spring of 2020 when my gym shut down due to Covid-19, I began hiking two to three mornings a week with one friend at a time. Sometimes we started while it was still dark, and many times we had the pleasure of watching the sun rise over the hills of San Francisco’s East Bay. The hills turned from green to gold and back again over the course of the year. The hikes gave me a sense of stability in an uncertain season, and they gave me a chance to work out ideas or troubles with a friend. We brainstormed, vented, connected, and prayed. I captured the beauty on camera and felt my creative engines rev to life even when my daily routine felt more static than ever. Walking became my Covid sanity-saver and I’m forever grateful for this new rhythm that’s been integrated into my lifestyle here at home.

Walking to boost creative output can take many forms. My husband is a notorious pacer and often just paces around our backyard when working from home. He’s taken walking breaks at university and at work since long before we met, and I can tell they always have an impact on his work. Whether you make laps around your living room, pace up and down the sidewalk, weave through city streets, or take leisurely strolls through the countryside, the act of walking has a direct impact on your creative thought process. Even 15 minutes on a treadmill can make a difference!

Whether you’ve got an issue to work out, a problem to solve, or plans to make, taking a walk might just be the key to cracking the code and gaining progress. It certainly is one of the easiest, cheapest, and beneficial ways to stimulate our creative output!

If you’d like to walk with me on my Women’s Walking Retreat through the Cotswolds, click HERE for a full itinerary and details. You can also read more about how I found inspiration and restoration in the Cotswolds HERE.

I am passionate about coming alongside others to inspire them in their creative journey. With 15 years’ experience as a creative entrepreneur, I have been able to cultivate a strong repertoire of strategies to boost creative output and help others tap into their creativity. If you would like to have me speak either in person or online at your upcoming conference, workshop, or retreat, please email Jaime Fenwick at hello@bringinginspirationhome.com .

Can’t travel right now? Join my 12-week Creative Coaching Experience to help you tap into your creativity without going anywhere! Click HERE to learn more.

SaveSave