Mosaic Flow: Mandala-Inspired Radials
Exploring Flow State and Embodied Creativity Through Mosaics
Creative Retreat in Todos Santos, Mexico
Register here through Todos Retreats
May 10 - 16, 2027
Immersive creative experience with Laurel True
Arrival: Sunday, May 9, 2027
Departure: Sunday, May 16, 2027
Workshop hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30am–2:30pm
Invitation:
More flow, less rules. This week is an unwinding of the rules, a chance to sink into a relaxing, invigorating creative process while nurturing your nervous system through supported, joyful making. Enjoy the creative process in a gorgeous setting, at a pace that allows you two slow down, open up, and exhale.
We'll explore:
What is flow state, and how do we access it in our creative work?
How do we enjoy the mosaic process without getting caught up in rules, tools, and over-planning?
What happens when we shift from creative work to creative play?
How can our creative process support our nervous system and sense of well-being?
What You'll Make + Learn
Over the week, you'll create a mandala-inspired radial mosaic, working with circular forms, flowing lines, and repeating patterns to build a piece that's as relaxing and joyful to make as it is beautiful to have. Your finished mosaic can be installed as an interior or exterior wall piece.
We’ll explore various creative warm up exercises using mixed media that are fun, enjoyable, and can help to calm our nervous system + open our creative channels. (These exercises can be used anytime!) We’ll experiment with intuitive approaches as well as more structured approaches that can invite entry into a creative flow state.
You'll work at your own pace learning to trust your hands and get out of your head, build comfort with tools and materials, experiment with pattern and color, and find harmony in creative play.
You’ll create your piece with gentle guidance using the tile tape technique (no adhesive to deal with during the making process). Laurel will demonstrate how participants can easily install their mosaic onto a surface of their choice at home.
Radial design patterns will be offered as a jumping-off point, with room to work intuitively or with a bit more structure, whichever feels best in the moment.
Laurel will offer guidance on how to use mosaic tools in a way that feels embodied and natural.
Additional explorations include:
Best practices for enjoying the creative process in an embodied way (and what this means!)
Creativity as part of a holistic wellness practice
Learning to trust yourself during the creative process
How co-creativity and sharing creative space with others can support you and your creative practice
Workshop Structure:
Laurel opens the week with an interactive talk on creativity, flow state, and how we might regulate the nervous system through creative acts, including how simple acts of mindfulness, noticing, and savoring beauty can shape our creative process.
Each day begins with creative warm-up exercises, guided breathing, and gentle movement to help you regulate your nervous system and open your creative channels. (Techniques you can take with you and use anytime!)
Studio time will run from after breakfast, until early afternoon. There will be plenty of time to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings and colorful town of Todos Santos during the week. Participants are welcome to work after hours in the studio.
You'll Leave With:
Several small creative experiments
A medium-sized, mandala-inspired mosaic piece
Gentle techniques for accessing flow state in future creative projects
Step-by-step instructions for mounting and installing your piece at home
Resources to further explore creativity + flow state, embodied creativity, and arts + wellness
No art or mosaic experience necessary. Come as you are. Experienced makers are invited to bring a Beginner's Mind. You are welcome!
Students bring their own materials with supplemental materials and tools provided. A pre-retreat meet and greet Zoom with Laurel is included.