GREEK IDYLL

So with a bit of trepidation I went off on holiday to Greece, to Skyros, an island in the Aegean where holistic, creative and inspirational courses have been run from the Skyros Centre for 30 years (see http://www.skyros.com for more details).

View from the terrace of the Skyros Centre

Skyros Town from the beach

I did a course on "Life Choices" over 10 days, which was essentially an experiential group, run from a Gestalt / psychodrama orientation. It was intense and challenging, but incredibly effective and powerful. It focused on helping us become aware of our patterns, particularly in how we relate and communicate, and although I thought I knew myself pretty well I found it extremely enlightening. I've always found it hard to ask for or accept help, hating feeling vulnerable or not in control, and not only did I gain new understandings of the underlying fears and how those patterns play out, I also discovered new ways of positioning myself which allow different kinds of interactions. Over the 10 days I felt some very significant shifts, especially about letting go of what's outside my control and allowing myself not to have to be strong all the time -  extremely relevant for the challenges I'm facing back at home.

Although we all confronted difficult emotions and it wasn't an easy ride, the group was a very safe and supportive environment, and as a result of sharing such intense experiences we bonded very closely. I was very moved by some of the connections I made, both within the group work and in more informal conversations socially. There was also a writing course running alongside, and both groups mixed and socialised together; there was a real sense of community, with shared goals of living more fully and satisfyingly. It was great being among like-minded people who were interested in going beyond the superficial - but alongside this we also had lots of fun!

I also went to classes in creativity, involving a wide range of exercises in thinking laterally and spontaneously, using music, movement, drawing, improvisation, and experimenting with voice and body posture. These classes were great fun, with lots of laughing and shedding of self-consciousness, but they were also very thought-provoking, and made a great adjunct to the group work. There was early-morning yoga available (which I only went to a couple of times, as I need a lot of sleep) and afternoon massages (which I did take advantage of, having 2 wonderfully therapeutic treatments). 

With all of this, plus daily meetings, a trip to the local museum, and going to another town for dinner one night, there wasn't as much free time as I'd expected, and at first I struggled with trying to make the most of everything on offer as well as making time to replenish my energy. But I soon found a balance which worked for me, and the days settled into a very enjoyable rhythm. After the group course in the morning I sometimes had a siesta or read in the cool of my air-con apartment; other days we went to the beach, or had long lunches, and discussed ourselves, our lives, our struggles and our hopes for the future. 

Entrance to my apartment

Lunch at the beach

The island itself was beautiful, and although the weather was extremely hot it did mean I had to slow down both physically and mentally. By the end I'd completely let go of my anxious city to-do list mentality, and found it much easier to focus on, and take pleasure in, the here-and-now (a skill which I'm continuing to practice). 

It wasn't what I'd call a relaxing holiday - it was far too stimulating for that - but I hadn't wanted something which was simply a nice distraction, so I was delighted to find that both the course and the interactions were substantial and profound. All in all it was an unexpectedly wonderful experience, in a very special place, and I've come home feeling quite wowed by it all. 

Leaving the port at sunrise