Doodle Magic and Creative Joy
Want more inner joy and peace - the fun and simple way? Make Art without a Brush, do Asemic Calligraphy, Therapeutic Doodling and Zen Style Collages.
Enjoy proven, playful methods that are different from anything else out there.
NO brush, NO talent, NO special supplies required!
Sign up to be notified when the Online Retreat opens.
Please, put MAGIC into the comment box!
Doodle Magic and Creative Joy is a brand new concept!
It is a soothing Virtual Retreat that is specifically designed to restore your natural inner joy, peace and strength during these unprecedented times.
You play with the most simple, transformational ways of creating for the pure joy of it.
There is no agenda to make "art".
Yet, without ever trying to make art, you end up with fabulous papers, abstract art and Zen style collages.
It's a beautiful, nurturing 7 week Online Retreat.
With recorded Modules, live Zoom Sessions and Private Community.
Picture yourself as a child - creating freely from deep inside.
Feel that delicious joy, contentment and awe spreading like sun rays from your heart into your body and mind!
What Clients say:
"I thought I was quite relaxed.
But this is taking it to a whole other level."
And you can apply the same principles in everyday life.
I've even tried it (the Golden Key method) when I was in the gym. With zero motivation.
It WORKS!"
Lynn Edmonds
"It's like a magic pill for having joy in an adverse world."
Amanda Meyer
Why is restoring joy important?
You were born with natural joy.
It is an exquisite inner state where you feel calm, content, joyful and strong.
Unlike happiness, it is independent of other people, circumstances and events.
Life and outer challenges have dimmed it down for most of us.
Once you restore it, you can choose it deliberately.
Even if pain and adversities are present in your life.
I invite you to cultivate and restore that joy again!
Permission to PLAY - it sets you FREE.
Most of us simply need permission to play in order to create freely like a child.
Picture yourself smudging paint onto copy paper with a plastic bag for a few minutes.
There is no agenda of making a piece of art.
You are simply playing for the pure joy of it.
No matter how messy it might look, you can always find beautiful details in it. Take a photo and print it or have it printed into stunning artworks. Small, or big (like in the photo).
With each SHORT, playful step, you get instant gratifications.
Feel the excitement when you smudge paint with a jar lid - and within minutes you get results like in this picture.
OOOHHH - YES!
"It's so relaxing and joyful!
This is therapy.
Who would have thought that PLAYING can do THIS!"
Donna Wilson
Since you are here, you most likely can relate to the
Story behind the Doodle Magic and Creative Joy Virtual Retreat
With years of relentless turmoil in the world the nervous systems of the the majority of people on the planet right now are rattled to the core.
You might also be feeling anxious, angry, frustrated, lonely, depressed, numb, overwhelmed, unmotivated, have low energy.
You may not be doing a number of things that used to bring you joy.
Even creating can seem like too much effort.
To top it off, your body might be in functional shock mode and silently screaming for relief, while you "look normal" on the outside.
I know this well from my own journey.
During the last 8 years I faced a lot of challenges.
They included excruciating pain, high anxiety and intense panic attacks after unfavorable reactions to anesthesia. I was homebound for several years.
The outer world going bonkers added fuel to the fire.
As a result I was determined to find SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE WAYS for myself and others to build a foundation of inner joy, peace and strength.
I wanted it to be sustainable even during pain, anxiety and outer adversity.
I did a lot of research into scientific studies and experimented extensively.
Including teaching others, taking creative courses myself, observing others in courses and groups, listening to their comments, stories and questions.
I discovered and rectified 2 crucial things that became the highly effective core of Doodle Magic and Creative Joy:
However, the nervous system only relaxes long term when you shift away from underlying disturbances and worries - and give the brain space to reset into the "joy center".
2.) There are 3 pitfalls that prevent creating - and living - with sustainable joy.
As a result I came up with - and can now give you - the simple GOLDEN KEY method that makes those culprits jobless.
And you CAN create and live with sustainable joy.
As for myself, I am now in the best place I have ever been.
My creativity exploded. I feel freer than ever before.
When anxiety or challenges arise, it may not be comfortable, but I know how to deal with them - while keeping my foundation of joy intact.
After testing the methods and processes with a mix of
- people who felt already calm,
- people who were highly distressed,
- and some who were in between,
I am so happy to offer you the proven, soothing and fun
Doodle Magic and Creative Joy Retreat.
It's
- completely pressure-free,
- deeply nourishing and
- powerfully transformative.
In a gentle way.
Neither my clients nor I have seen anything like it.
Sign up to be notified when the Online Retreat opens.
Please, put MAGIC into the comment box!
What clients are saying:
"I was really sceptic.
I mean, doodling!
It's child's play. Right?!
But this is therapy!
I am feeling so relaxed and joyful after just 10 minutes.
I am going to do this with my mother."
Jamie, who described herself as "the sole, worn out caretaker" of her 93 year old mother
"It worked when I was completely at loose ends.
It was because you absolutely embody what you teach!...
Your voice and your face exude joy!
Your calmness and joy is the best example of taking responsibility for one’s state of mind in spite of adversity.
I am so grateful!"
Christine, comment on Instagram
"It's very relaxing!"
I’ve been doodling at night, before bed, and it is very relaxing … an added bonus - when I’m mindfully doodling, I’m NOT mindlessly eating junk food!"
Chris Carlson
"...ignited the child like creativity..."
"Monika's decades of passion and love for the art and creativity really ignited the childlike delights within each of her attendees.
Our creative juice flew under her inspiration...
It is very heartfelt and relaxing."
Sandy Ghee - on her Facebook - about the Zoom sessions
"..have never come across any of your methods before..."
"I’ve taken a lot of courses.
But I've never come across any of your methods before - except for one.
They are by far simpler and faster than most anything else I have done.
I am over the top pleased...
I love all the unusual and fun papers and art I have now. "
Suzy R.
"...can't get over how simple everything is..."
"I don't remember when I last felt this happy.
And I can't get over how simple everything is.
I especially like your 2 for 1 method.
My friends and I use it with each other when we criticize ourselves. It's amazing what that has been doing for our confidence.
Thank you!"
Lorna B.
Have a look at the Retreat
This beautiful Virtual Retreat is over a 7 week period with weekly recorded online modules.
Plus 7 live Zoom sessions - and private Facebook Club support.
Whether you are an advanced creative, are starting out or think you are not creative (a myth), I guide you with fresh, new methods to create from a place of inner peace and confidence.
You can then truly enjoy yourself and your life.
Without trying to make art, you end up with happy art that excites and nurtures you.
I also show you how you can have it printed onto clothes, accessories, mugs, home decor.
Simple Supplies
You most likely have all of these items.
The paints are available at most craft stores - and online.
They can be substituted with whatever paints you already have.
When you use less materials for multiple results, it stimulates the creative center of the brain - and boosts your confidence and joy.
You can easily put some supplies into a little pouch and create on the go.
Doodling is fabulously calming in a dentist's or doctor's waiting room and on air planes.
Classic Black and White
Remember the doodling you did as a kid?
It is still one of the fastest ways to calm down and feel joyful.
Especially if you use the Golden Key from this Course.
You play with elegant and playful doodling, asemic calligraphy and more. You get PDFs to support your explorations.
It's fun to turn some of your papers into intriguing Zen style art collages that make you proud.
You can do this ANYTIME and ANYWHERE - even in your recliner. And with your kids and grandkids.
Uplifting Colors
A little fooling is a good thing sometimes.
You'll create art and collage fodder that looks like abstract painting. But it's done without a brush!
Instead we use plastic bags, bottle caps, jar lids etc..
When you use materials and methods that are unusual, it can greatly expand your ability to come up with creative solutions for challenges in your daily life.
At the same time, it's also a fun, gratifying way to make practical things like greeting cards, journal covers, collages. You can even have them printed onto pillow cases, clothes and more.
Priti is deciding which part of her first doodle to frame.
Sandy framed her very first doodle immediately.
Her husband loved it as his Father's Day gift.
Meet Monika Astara, your Guide on this Transformational Retreat Journey.
"You don't have a creative bone in your body!
God must have been asleep when He created you!"
That's what my art teacher hissed at me for 6 years.
You most likely have your own version of this in your life.
It might also have hampered your creativity for a while - like it did for me. So I became a teacher first. (In Germany). And loved it.
After having moved to the US, I thought my heart would burst if I didn't follow my dream of creating artful, comfortable clothes that make women light up and love themselves the way they are.
In 1987 I took the plunge into total uncertainty - without the slightest clue about business, fabric sourcing or where to sell.
I have been a full time artist and art wear designer ever since.
More than 23.000 Monika Astara creations have sold in person, art-wear boutiques, galleries, shows, my own boutique and online.
From the very beginning I've always come up with my own fun and simple methods, processes and patterns.
My teacher was not a fan of them. My clients say they have never had as much fun and joy as in my courses.
And that's why it is my greatest joy to guide you to freely be yourself - in your art and life!
To believe in yourself and love yourself as you are right NOW.
If this lights up your heart, sign up to be notified when the Online Retreat opens.
Please, put MAGIC into the comment box!
Creative Play is your most valuable investment.
Research shows that during uncertain times, your most valuable security does not come from financial investments or money in the bank.
It comes from a solid internal state that is rooted in natural joy, confidence, creativity and strength.
It transforms
- how you feel emotionally, mentally and physically.
- how you live your life.
- how you respond to adverse circumstances.
Instead of getting frustrated and rattled, you can stay calm, joyful and find creative solutions.
I've witnessed it thousands of times:
When you feel joyful inside...
...life becomes brighter.
You start looking with "new" eyes.
You experience awe and wonder in "small" things.
You live with curiosity.
You have more fun doing daily tasks.
You create and live with more joy.
You move with more vigor.
You feel more balanced and focused.
You have confidence in your abilities.
You are more likely to explore and have fun.
You keep a twinkle in your eyes.
Hoodie and mug printed with images of joyfully smudged papers.
This sounds awesome to you.
Your heart would LOVE to participate in this Retreat.
BUT...there are nagging "reasons" floating around in the head why you "shouldn't".
That's normal. Especially during times of outer upheaval.
The brain wants you to preserve energy to survive the perceived external threats.
Even though a Retreat might be exactly what would make you feel more joyful and secure.
Science calls it "functional freeze mode".
Simply recognize it and give yourself permission to go for what lights up your heart.
If you have questions or concerns, contact me for a chat.
I want you - and myself - to be totally comfortable and happy when you decide to join.
Art made with a bottle cap.
You would love to make abstract art - but ...
- you can't paint?
- you don't even want to paint anymore?
- it just takes too long and you are burnt out?
- it can get expensive.
Awesome!
I am the same way with traditional methods!
So, here you get to play with unusual, everyday items like jar lids, plastic bags, cardboard.
You get intriguing abstract art within minutes - without trying to create art.
No talent required.
No brush required.
Do you think you are not creative?
That's a devastating myth!
We were all born creative!
Just watch kids play.
We'll bust that myth.
And you can create happily ever after.
You'd love to create - BUT creating can...
... make you feel tense?
... get you frustrated?
... make you feel like you are no good at it?
It happens to everyone!
But I discovered:
The "GOLDEN KEY" is in HOW you create.
It allows you to create - and LIVE - with sustainable joy.
In the retreat you play with the Golden Key and experience its effectiveness.
Relax with shirts that you can have printed with your doodles and smudged designs that you create within minutes - like these.
It's utter pleasure!
Don't have time for creating?
"No time" - it sounds so logical!
And I have used it too many times.
BUT - it doesn't hold up.
All I have to do is look at the time spent scrolling on Instagram.
And - BAM! That excuse is totally out.
Or: what about watching Netflix? Shows?
Sitting around lost or worrying for hours at a time?
Choose yourself.
Join this beautiful journey into feeling calm and joyful.
To top it off, you get beautiful things that you can SEE, TOUCH and even WEAR.
P.S.: one of the coveted benefits of creating is, that you have more energy.
You can get your work done faster and more efficiently.
Which leaves you with more time to do the things you love.
Including Creating.
Sign up to get notified when the Online Retreat opens.
Please, put MAGIC into the comment box!
Are you in a transition or on a spiritual journey?
I invite you to nurture and transform yourself with joyful practices.
It has the power to transform your life without the pain that often accompanies transformation.
When you combine
- your desire to feel happy and peaceful with
- the simple, fun and proven creative methods you get here, and
- you show up for yourself,
your life transforms gently and powerfully:
"This Retreat is going to BLOW your MIND!
The brilliance is in its simplicity."
Karen H. - psychotherapist
During the last several years it's become a trend to "consume" creative courses.
The focus is mostly on techniques and having a piece or pieces of art as end results.
It provides a temporary escape and distraction from the world and uncomfortable mental/emotional challenges.
This Retreat is not about "escaping".
It's not about art as a goal.
And it has the power for lasting transformation.
It's about thoroughly enjoying yourself in a soothing atmosphere with a relaxed pace.
- It's about relishing each moment,
- coming back to yourself - your true, vibrant, confident self,
- to the creativity, intuition and joy you were born with,
- to the exquisite stillness and peaceful strength in your heart.
It' about being fully present,
- creating with the awe and curiosity of a child,
- feeling the pen glide over the paper,
- smudging paint with your hands,
- holding unusual objects and letting your hands guide them to make marks, doodles, smudges in playful ways.
It has the power to leave restlessness, hurry and worry behind.
And to transform how you create and live from deep within your beautiful, content self.
The awesome, lasting "side-effects" are the vibrant and Zen style pieces of art that you create on your journey to your natural inner joy.
Special Bonus:
"After-the-Retreat-ended Care"
To make it easy for you to continue nurturing yourself, you get a PDF with 21 prompts to keep using what you learnt.
You can repeat the prompts over and over and get new results each time.
HOT TIP
Have a "Joy-on-Demand Kit" ready.
Put the prompts with simple supplies into a small (shoe)box as a kit.
I show you the details in the retreat.
Whenever you
- need a fast boost or
- want to enjoy yourself or
- want to make a treasured gift,
you can grab the box and create joy-on-demand within minutes.
If this lights up your heart, I'd love to see you in this rich, virtual Retreat!
Sign up to be notified when it opens.
Please, put MAGIC into the comment box!
What's included?
# 1
Six Modules
In a nutshell:
Delight in a variety of fresh, simple, creative, mental and posture methods.
They are playful and highly effective
for relaxing and creating with confidence and ease.
The Golden Key method is your magic tool to create and live daily life with sustainable joy - even during adversity.
Make fascinating papers with unconventional doodling and asemic writing styles.
Make Zen style collages.
They are soothing to do and to look at.
Create abstract art without a brush.
It side steps your inner critic.
And it's the ultimate joy booster.
# 2
Seven Zoom Sessions
Share, ask questions, get additional guidance and enjoy ourselves.
Together we use unconventional tools to explore, experiment and create freely without constraints.
You gain confidence in YOUR ways of using the methods and processes.
It solidifies your inner, gentle strength that can move mountains.
# 3
Private Community and Support
It's another place to connect, create and feel seen and heard.
We can engage with each other, show our creations, and exchange ideas 24/7.
Or you can observe and enjoy.
# 4 - Bonus
Templates for Zen style Collages
Do you know that paralyzing feeling when you WANT to make a collage, you have a bunch of papers - but you go blank and don't know where to start?
Ta-da!
Templates for collages to the rescue!
They take that whole composition and "where-to-start" guessing game out of your head.
You can simply tear and cut some papers and glue them into the spaces in the templates.
You build up confidence and internalize a sense for composition.
Easy-peasy fun - and you have great collages.
# 5 - Bonus
After-Care Prompts and Kit
To make it easy for you to continue nurturing your inner joy, peace and strength, you get 21 prompts to keep using what you learnt.
You can repeat them over and over for years to come and get new results each time.
# 6 - Bonus
Curated, Printable Paper Downloads
Sometimes it's just fun to have papers that excite you from another artist.
Hot TIP:
Use the papers with the collage templates from #4 - Bonus - and you can make stunning collages on a whim.
It's a great, calorie-free picker-upper with fast gratifications.
# 7
Indefinite Access to the recorded Retreat
It's like having a private spa in your home.
You can "go into retreat" anytime you want to.
Day or night.
For a few minutes - or for binge watching videos.
# 8
Transform your papers in Photoshop Elements
This is super exciting!
And super simple!
With just a few clicks you can transform your doddles and paint smears into captivating art.
# 9
Post-Retreat Reunion
We come together at Zoom session 3 weeks after the Retreat ended.
It's a check-in to see where you are at, what you would like more help with, what you would like in order to continue on your journey into yourself and unconventional, joyful methods.
This Retreat is the equivalent of an 8 day in-person retreat.
It's less than 1/4th of the cost of an in-person retreat.
Or less than 1/8th if you account for travel and accommodation costs.
You can participate at a relaxed pace in the comfort of your own home -
or while you are on trips anywhere in the world.
You have a front row seat with clear view of each step.
Plus - you have indefinite access to the modules and community.
Are you excited about it?
Sign up to be notified when the Online Retreat opens.
Please, put MAGIC into the comment box!
FAQs - questions you might have.
If you have questions that are not covered here, send me a note.
If you'd like to chat and see if we are a good fit for each other - awesome! - send your name, phone number and a good time to reach you. I want both of us to be happy when you decide to join.
When does this Retreat begin and end?
Projected start is late October/early November.
It goes for 7 weeks - plus 1 additional check-in session 2-3 weeks after the 7 week period where it officially ends.
It's ideal time for slowing down and retreating into yourself.
It's also great timing if you want to save a lot of time and money for Christmas gifts.
You can make fabulous collages as gifts - or have photos of your creations printed onto clothes, accessories, home decor and as art.
Do I have instant access to all modules? How long do I have access to the modules?
The modules are released weekly.
You have indefinite access to them after the Retreat ended.
What if I can't make the live Zoom sessions?
You are covered.
You get replays within 2 days of the Zoom sessions.
How does this Retreat compare to an in-person workshop?
It's the equivalent of an 8 day in-person retreat.
It costs less than one fourth of an in-person workshop.
And it's less than one eighth of the cost if you account for travel and accommodations.
You have a front row seat with clear view of each step.
You have access to it for an indefinite time (some call it life time.).
You can participate at your convenience - day or night.
You can review any time you want.
You can pause and follow along while I am instructing.
You get beautiful "after-the-retreat-ended-care".
Can I sponsor someone?
Absolutely!
Just email me an email at Monika@MonikaAstara.com.
I will send you a beautiful gift card to give to the recipient(s).
I also can give it to a beautiful, deserving soul.
And you can send the gift to that person.
Can I gift the Retreat to someone?
What a wonderful sentiment!
Just email me at Monika@MonikaAstara.com.
I will send you a beautiful gift card to give to the recipient(s).
Do you do refunds?
Just with any in-person retreat or workshop, there are no refunds.
If you have questions or concerns, email me or let's chat.
I want both of us to be happy if you decide to join.
Email me at Monika@MonikaAstara.com with your name, phone number and a good time to reach you.
What if I need extra support?
You get it.
We have a private community and weekly Zoom sessions for that.
Is there a community?
Yes! There is a private community on Facebook.
If you are not on Facebook, you have the weekly Zoom sessions with your retreat sisters.
Why is the community hosted on Facebook?
At this point it is the easiest access for anyone in the world.
Do I have to attend at a certain time?
No. You can watch the modules any time you wish.
Day or night. In your PJs - or your finest attire.
I don't have much spare time. How much time to I need for this Retreat?
2.5 - 3.5 hours per week would be great. That's about 20 - 30 minutes per day.
That includes watching the videos and doing the doodling, asemic writing, making papers and Zen collages.
However - you have indefinite access. So you can take your time.
Do you guarantee results?
So far 100% of participants have been more than satisfied.
You can read their comments in the text above.
As with anything, it's up to you what you get from it.
If you participate with an open mind and do the assignments, I am sure you will be blown away - just as all the others have been so far.
If you have questions or concerns, email me - or let's chat.
Email your name, phone number and a good time to reach you to Monika@MOnikaAstara.com.
That way we can find out if we are a good fit for each other.
I want both of us to be happy when you decide to join.
Your Extra Sweet Bonus:
Sometimes you just need an extra boost - without having to "DO" anything!
I show you how and where you can have even your most humble designs turned into gorgeous printed creations that lift you up on those days.
Picture yourself drinking your coffee out of your own art mug.
Or sitting at your desk or strolling around in your own art shirt.
Or looking at your own art on the walls.
Can you feel how it lights you up?!
How it makes you smile and you relax - just by being reminded of your natural inner joy?!
Imagine wearing your own art!
Hot TIP
Have your art from the Retreat printed onto products as gifts!
Think birthdays, Christmas, friends, Mother's Day...
It saves you a lot of money and a lot of time trying to search for gifts.
Your recipients get gifts that they will love and treasure!
Make your friends OOOHH and AAAHH!
Have your Asemic Calligraphy, Smudged Abstract Art and Doodle Art printed into fabulous wall art and home decor - like the art and pillows in the photo.
I show you HOW and WHERE in the BONUS module.
Let your Inner Creative soar!
Join this relaxing journey into your joyful self where you are calm, relaxed and strong - and create fabulous art, papers and collages in the process.
It has the power to transform your life and creativity beautifully and gently.
"Even thinking about it makes me feel happy."
"Prior to this retreat, I was someone who didn't really draw.
But your doodling methods were a revelation.
I CAN draw and it is fun!
Even thinking about it makes me feel happy."
Cassandra Martin-Himmons, Master your Stress, Self care coach
