Why Workshops?

I thought I would do a little write-up about my philosophy behind small groups and workshops.

Why Do I Want to Faciltate Workshops?

There are a number of reasons I think workshops can be helpful.

Firstly, the sense of community and connection tha comes from participating in a group or workshop can be astounding. I have faciltated many different kinds of groups, and the sparks of connection I have seen between group members is amazing – there can be two people who find they have something in common, and they leave the group feeling not so alone, not so isolated. So, I wanted to do creative coaching grops to bring artists together, to foster a sense of community and connection.

And then personally, as a creative person growing up in small towns, a lot of times I felt “different” or kind of alone. Moving to cities and expanding my horizons, I have realized I am not alone, and that there are a lot of people in the world who I can relate to. My experiences of being part of groups of other artists or creatives have been positive ones. Some of the creative groups/group settings I’ve been a part of include: an artists way women’s group, a couple of different song writer’s groups, artist retreats, performance workshops, creativity coaching classes, sharing with my creativity coach, the open mic community, and arts classes. I have always found that when other creative people open up and discuss their struggles and joys about their own creative process, that something happens in me: I feel encouraged, inspired, less lonely, more “normal” in the ups and downs of my creative processs, and empowered.

So, using my skills as a group faciliator, I want to offer my experiences to other people – the joy of connection, of support, of being challenged and uplifted through interaction with fellow creatives.

I am also usually impressed by the openess of other creatives. When I have been on the outside looking in, I have sometimes feared that other creatives or artists are competetive, will steal my ideas, or simply be cliquish. But what I find when I get to know other working  and active artists is that most of the time they have the same insecruties as myself, and are really beautiful people who have unique offerings, and who are encouraging and open-minded rather than cutting or snobby.

Being in a group or a workshop is a good way to start or foster new relationships with other creative people. That’s what I’ve taken from the groups I’ve been in, and what I hope to create opportunity for in the groups I facilitate.

What Do My Groups Look Like?

My workshops are a combination of teaching, discussion, and some hand-ons writing or arts-based activities. The teaching part is wholly based on my training as a Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach. Kaizen, a japanese word for “small steps”, is a way of helping artists take do-able, non-overwhelming steps in their creative work, in a way that leads to bigger changes and/or refreshing. The “Muse” part helps artists find their true inspiration & support, and keeps things joyful.

Small group sizes are intentional – they provide a comfortable setting for people to share if they want to. But I will never force anyone to share about something they are not comfortable with – I recognize that some people prefer to justs listen. But I will always open up the floor for conversation, because I want to speak to where the group is at. Also, I recognize that the chance to speak out and be heard in a group can be stretching and freeing for group participants.

As part of the Kaizen Muse training, I also lead the group in self-reflective activities or guided relaxations focused on their creative lives, which can result in sginiificant personal insights among participants.

Fall Workshops

Workshops are discussion-based with an emphasis on learning from each other in creative community.

The following workshops are limited to ten participants per workshop.

Exploring Procrastination
October 16, 2010
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
The ARTery, Edmonton, Alberta
$35
Email Cora to register

Showing Kindness to Your Creative Self
November 6, 2010
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
The ARTery, Edmonton, Alberta
$35
Email Cora to register

Accessing Inspiration
November 27, 2010
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
The ARTery, Edmonton, Alberta
$35
Email Cora to register

Welcome!

Welcome to Cora McLachlan’s Creativity / Artist Coaching website, please take a look around. Feel free to contact Cora with any questions in regards to coaching or upcoming workshops.