san miguel de allende through the eyes of lisa berman

 

I’m recently back from a truly amazing week in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where I went for a painting workshop (and much much more) with the fabulous Flora Bowley. Seriously, I can not think of a better way to start a new personal chapter, which for me means coming back to center.

San Miguel is an unbelievably gorgeous colonial town in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico that's as colorful as any place I’ve ever been. And Flora Bowley, in addition to being an inspiring and fabulous painter, is a truly amazing teacher, guide, and fun, generous spirit.

Our week included: meditation, dance, writing, yoga, sketching, music, poetry, "heart circles" and altars, collaboration, getting in touch with “our voice,” hot springs, jicama tacos, tequila, being brave, new tools, and of course lots of painting! In fact, I painted with my finger so much that it bled (I guess my banjo calluses aren't wide enough-yet!).

Casa Carmen's courtyard

Courtyard as metaphor:
We stayed at the lovely “Casa Carmen” near the jardín, which encompasses a gorgeous courtyard with papel picado strung across it, bougainvillea, and a lovely fountain. I have long dreamed of a home with a courtyard. They are light, open, and center. They are at times a place for tranquility, and at others for gathering. This week under Flora’s encouraging wing brought together many different parts of my life - like "the surrounding rooms" - back to center, my "courtyard." In my life I’ve meditated, I’ve done yoga, I’ve danced, I’ve designed and painted, I’ve been alone and with family and community, I’ve played and enjoyed music, I’ve been in womens' groups, and more. But usually each of these experiences was separate or perhaps only combined a few parts. I don't think I've ever brought them all together at once as part of the process of being creative. To then face a blank canvas and create from that place, it felt like magic. I feel, yes, more whole-hearted. I also feel ready, excited, and grateful beyond words. Now, my challenge is to be brave and share while I’m in the learning process and not be a perfectionist...and carve out time to paint!!

I am so grateful to and for: Flora, Rebecca Brooks, our host; and Rachael Rice (Flora's assistants), Casa Carmen and all that treated us so well there, the fabulous women in our group, and to my dear family and friends - ¡Gracias!   xoxo, lisa.

 

 

with lovely Flora on top of the Rosewood Hotel

 

 

a very kind and wise woman

 

My darling roommate & photo-taking partner in crime, Yolande, from South Africa

scenes from the Tuesday market

 

 

 Lisa Berman

 

for more stunning photographs, wonderful art work, 

and part two of lisa's visit to san miguel please visit her at

 

Lisa Berman design

 

 

 

with registration beginning valentines day

for 2014 folk art tours and art retreats

i thought it would be 

lovely to share san miguel through the eyes of a recent 

traveler. 

special thanks to lisa for sharing her heart in this ode 

to san miguel de allende!

 

Come Away With ME

 

Comments

[Lisa Berman]

Thanks for sharing, Rebecca. The older woman in the photo I took reminds me of the the amazing story you told of meeting the woman in the woods. Another wise woman full of so many stories, I'm sure. xo Lisa

[judie]

Interesting and fun post Rebecca. You always have a good time there and one can tell you are in love with Mexico. About your Everyday Saints. OMG they are fabulous! They are all made of torn paper collage? You must have a lot of patience. Love them!

[Cynthia]

Amazing photos, Lisa, thanks for sharing!