The Wonder of Amsterdam: Creativity in Bloom!
To Benefit Refugees in Partnership with Becausewecarry.org
A four-day retreat/journey that will ignite your creativity! Experience an innovative and exhilarating combination of yoga, meditation, creative exercises, art, and creative writing to help you discover your own unique genius, and make a meaningful contribution to the world!
Surrounded by Dutch tulips and a spring landscape in bloom, you will delve into the surprising nature of creativity, learn the neuro-science of the creative brain, and realize the obstacles and perceived risks that keep you from fully expressing your creativity. As you begin to reclaim and redefine creativity, we will teach you surefire methods to liberate yourself from uninspired and habitual thought and discover your core originality. Energizing and restorative yoga and meditation classes will help you to calm your critical mind and access your own creative power. Our fun, engaging activities will challenge you to think and see in new ways, re-connect you with your five senses, and allow you to experience the world more authentically. Whether you are an experienced or novice writer, the creative writing workshops will hone your attention to detail, help you think metaphorically and make novel connections, and develop greater belief and confidence in your own original voice. Inspiring visits to two of the world’s great art museums will allow you to experience the flowering of the creative genius of van Gogh, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters first hand, while learning how and why beauty plays an essential role in our creative lives. Ultimately, this retreat will teach you more than how to think creative thoughts and produce creative work; it will demonstrate how to live creatively – and how to continue to nourish the part of you that is most alive long after our retreat has ended, and making valuable contributions to our world. Come experience the transformative power of your creativity in full bloom, and benefit a wonderful cause!
Photo credit: Victor Arnolds
This transformative journey will empower you to:
--Redefine creativity and discover your own potential for genius
--Identify the myths, stereotypes, and critical voices that have suppressed your creativity
--Learn strategies to overcome creative blockages
--Engage in possibility thinking and build self-confidence
-- Use yogic and meditation practices to calm the critical mind and enhance creativity
--Explore methods that will help you to access and increase your creativity
--Enrich your life by understanding the neuroscience of creativity
--Discover the connections between art and beauty and your own creativity
--Adopt a "creativity diet" to "feed" and nourish your creative self
--Use creative writing as a powerful tool to tune into our own senses and express your unique voice
--Change and multiply your perspective(s) and access novel ways of seeing the world
--Return to your life with an enhanced sense of your own creative power and possibilities
--Redefine creativity and discover your own potential for genius
--Identify the myths, stereotypes, and critical voices that have suppressed your creativity
--Learn strategies to overcome creative blockages
--Engage in possibility thinking and build self-confidence
-- Use yogic and meditation practices to calm the critical mind and enhance creativity
--Explore methods that will help you to access and increase your creativity
--Enrich your life by understanding the neuroscience of creativity
--Discover the connections between art and beauty and your own creativity
--Adopt a "creativity diet" to "feed" and nourish your creative self
--Use creative writing as a powerful tool to tune into our own senses and express your unique voice
--Change and multiply your perspective(s) and access novel ways of seeing the world
--Return to your life with an enhanced sense of your own creative power and possibilities
Prices start at 375 euros/$400 US for workshop only (see below for everything that is included!)
A deposit of 200 euros/$215 US is due by March 15, 2017. Final payment in full due by April 7, 2017.
Payment of the deposit indicates that you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Read on for all the details below! Or feel free to contact us with any questions.
A deposit of 200 euros/$215 US is due by March 15, 2017. Final payment in full due by April 7, 2017.
Payment of the deposit indicates that you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Read on for all the details below! Or feel free to contact us with any questions.
Admiring van Gogh's "Wheatfield with Cypresses"
Praise for The Wonder of the World journeys!
"It has opened new windows onto the beauty of the world and of life, to new opportunities for discovery" -- Philip, Lawyer and yoga teacher, Australia
"Unique - yes! Nobody else is offering any other experience such as this. It felt so special and tailored to our interests." -- Stacey, Teacher, California
"A+ -- Jennifer Cook is a passionate, dynamic, cheerful leader. You are in good hands if Jennifer is in charge of creating an experience for you. You will leave intellectually stimulated, as well as being made aware of your soul, which also needs nourishment" -- Laurie, Art Educator, USA
"It has opened new windows onto the beauty of the world and of life, to new opportunities for discovery" -- Philip, Lawyer and yoga teacher, Australia
"Unique - yes! Nobody else is offering any other experience such as this. It felt so special and tailored to our interests." -- Stacey, Teacher, California
"A+ -- Jennifer Cook is a passionate, dynamic, cheerful leader. You are in good hands if Jennifer is in charge of creating an experience for you. You will leave intellectually stimulated, as well as being made aware of your soul, which also needs nourishment" -- Laurie, Art Educator, USA
|
Our Venue:
Bluebirds Yoga Studio has recently been awarded the Onefit Award for the best yoga studio in Amsterdam! With soaring ceilings, hanging plants, and a calming palette, Bluebirds is a haven in the center of Amsterdam, an ideal atmosphere to help you escape from your everyday routine and recharge your creativity. Bluebirds is conveniently located near Artis, and the rest of Amsterdam – including Museumplein, blooming gardens, and eco-friendly accommodation -- is just a short bike or tram ride away. Learn more at http://www.blue-birds.nl/ |
|
Your Teachers:
A former university professor, Dr. Jennifer Carol Cook is an award-winning teacher, writer, speaker, and avid world traveler. Dr. Cook holds a Ph.D. in English and twenty years of experience teaching writing, and her own work has been published by presses such as Routledge, Harvard Book Store, Poetry Quarterly, and three consecutive times in Best Women’s Travel Writing. Teaching at an American business university to students who were tragically convinced they were not creative led her to develop her own unique, exciting, and effective approach to creativity, guaranteed to help anyone tap into and express her own creative genius. Dr. Cook’s background in art history, and her extensive experience researching and writing in the world’s great art museums, has convinced her of the transformative power of art and beauty in people’s lives. As the founder of The Wonder of the World, Dr. Cook strives to share this passion in educational seminars and journeys in some of the world’s most inspiring locations, and to raise funds and awareness for the conservation of our planet’s cultural and natural treasures.
Daniella Vons is a yoga, meditation, and stress management teacher and coach. After working in the demanding Dutch entertainment industry and experiencing burn-out, Daniella resolved to create a life she loves and help others to manage stress, take meaningful risks, and achieve their dreams. A travel junkie, Daniella studied yoga in Dharamsala and Goa, India, and is now Yoga Alliance Certified. She leads creative, innovative yoga and meditation classes which often draw from and combine the many styles of yoga she teaches, including Hatha Yoga, Hatha Restorative, and Vinyasa Flow. Daniella believes not only in sharing her knowledge of ancient yogic philosophy and mindfulness meditation, but also in allowing each participant to experience that philosophy him or herself. Daniella’s coaching style empowers students to reclaim control over their own lives, feel at peace even in the most stressful and demanding situations, and allow for more space to use their full creative potential to experience a healthier and happier life. Daniella was born and raised in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. She now lives and teaches in Amsterdam, and played a key role in helping Bluebirds Yoga Studio to win the Onefit award for the best yoga studio in Amsterdam!
Our Cause:
|
|
The Wonder of the World partners with a companion cause on every journey and donates a portion of all proceeds. When you sign up with us, you are not only doing something good for yourself, but also for others, and for the planet. For Creativity in Bloom in Amsterdam, we have partnered with becausewecarry.org, an organization devoted to making a practical difference in the refugee crisis. Founded by three Dutch yoga teachers, becausewecarry delivers baby carriers, food, clothing, books, and other desperately needed items and assistance to the island of Lesbos in an effort to "elevate the ongoing human suffering of people arriving on their way to a safe haven." We are so inspired by the the ways in which these women have used their creativity to bring more compassion -- and more positive action -- to Europe and the world. Please join us in supporting their ongoing efforts on behalf of refugees!
|
Accommodation:
The Wonder of the World believes in and advocates for environmentally-friendly accommodations on all of its journeys. Amsterdam offers two such locations at a range of price-points so that you can choose what is most comfortable for your budget.*
The Wonder of the World believes in and advocates for environmentally-friendly accommodations on all of its journeys. Amsterdam offers two such locations at a range of price-points so that you can choose what is most comfortable for your budget.*
|
Conscious Hotel, Vondelpark:
Luxurious and eco-friendly, Conscious Hotels describe themselves as “Hip, friendly, green, and fun. Located across from leafy, blooming Vondelpark, the hotel offers a cafe and a rooftop apiary! The location is easily accessible by tram or bike from the rest of the city and offers delicious, 100% organic breakfasts. Some highlights of Conscious Hotel's commitment to the environment include using only sustainable wood, creating furniture out of recycled and repurposed materials (like yogurt containers!), and cleaning with chemical-free agents. Learn more at: http://www.conscioushotels.com/ |
|
|
|
EcoMama:
“Green, quirky, conscious sleeping” -- EcoMama is no grungy backpackers, but a beautiful boutique hostel/hotel with loads of character and an impressive commitment to sustainability. EcoMama uses fair trade materials, actively recycles waste, and has installed an environmentally-friendly water system. It also donates one euro from each guest to the kinds of causes The Wonder of the World likes to support around the world. EcoMama offers a range of sleeping options, from the most basic dorm rooms to stylish private double rooms. All guests will have access to EcoMama’s spacious common areas, its cool café (with plenty of vegan and veggie options), and the range of fun activities they offer in the city. EcoMama is located very close to Waterlooplein and Bluebirds studio. Learn more at: http://www.ecomamahotel.com/#green-quirky-conscious-sleeping |
*Please note that we cannot guarantee you a room, as availability is limited. If you would like us to book you a bed or room at one of these venues, please register as early as possible, and let us know your room preferences. You may, of course, also book your own accommodation in Amsterdam, though we encourage you to choose locally-owned and environmentally-friendly locales.
|
All the Wonder-ful things that are included!
--Daily workshops in creativity and the creative process --Two yoga and meditation classes per day --Expertly-guided tours of the van Gogh and Rijksmusuems, focused on developing your creativity --Admission to the van Gogh and Rijksmuseums --Creative writing workshop --Healthy light snacks and unlimited tea and water during workshop hours --Three scrumptious, gourmet vegan lunches --A map of the Tulip Festival – all the locations you can visit to see Amsterdam’s stunning displays of their iconic flowers --Personalized recommendations for experiencing Amsterdam like a local! |
Not Included:
--Airfare or other transportation, to or within Amsterdam --Any meals not specified --Excursions not specified --Optional gratuities --Anything predictable, habitual or inauthentic! |
Prices
Workshop tuition, including everything above, is 450 euros/ $485 US. Early bird price of only 399 euros/$425 US if paid in full by March 1!
The workshop with five nights of accommodation in EcoMama ranges from 670 euros/$725 US for a shared, boutique dorm room to 1170 euros/$1250 US for a private superior double room, while the most luxurious rooms at the Conscious Hotel begin at 1357 euros/$1465 US for 4 nights, or 1585 euros/$1715 US for 5 nights of accommodation.
Workshop tuition, including everything above, is 450 euros/ $485 US. Early bird price of only 399 euros/$425 US if paid in full by March 1!
The workshop with five nights of accommodation in EcoMama ranges from 670 euros/$725 US for a shared, boutique dorm room to 1170 euros/$1250 US for a private superior double room, while the most luxurious rooms at the Conscious Hotel begin at 1357 euros/$1465 US for 4 nights, or 1585 euros/$1715 US for 5 nights of accommodation.
A Message from Your Teachers and Journey Leaders:
Jennifer and Daniella cruising the canals of Amsterdam, summer, 2016
Sometimes, a chance encounter can lead to a wonderful partnership. Very soon after our serendipitous meeting at a bus stop in Florence, Italy (Jennifer was there to lead a workshop to benefit historic art restoration in the 50th anniversary year of Florence's devastating flood, and Daniella had just finished an intensive Vipassana meditation retreat and 10 days of "noble silence,") we began to plan Creativity in Bloom. Ideas were flowing during our first long, excited conversation over a delicious vegan dinner, and we knew we were on to something special. We've poured our hearts into creating a retreat that will uplift, empower, and inspire you with beauty and possibility. We are also deeply moved to be able to support such an important cause with our creative work, and we think you will be, too. We hope you will join us to discover your own creative genius in blooming Amsterdam, and then share that gift with the world!
We can't wait to see you in Amsterdam!!
We can't wait to see you in Amsterdam!!