Return to Yourself
A Creative Retreat in Paros, Greece
April 25-May 1, 2026
Aegean Center for the Fine Arts
Reconnect. Create. Transform.
You know that quiet voice inside — the one that’s been whispering, "There’s more." Not more to do or prove or build. But more you. More beauty. More truth. More breath, more space, more meaning.
Our retreat is for that moment when you're no longer willing to wait. It’s for those of us who have taken care of everyone else, done all the right things, and find ourselves exhausted. It's time to get some support, live within beauty, find creative engagement, connection, play. You need to be nourished so that you can come alive again in your own body and life.
Why This Retreat?
This retreat was born from all of us — a group of artists, facilitators, and guides who have been shaped by the Greek island of Paros, and by the deep joy of offering something meaningful. Each of us has had a moment — or many — when life cracked open. When the ground shifted beneath us and we needed more than tools or vacation. A time we said to ourselves:
I don’t want a spa day. I don’t want to learn how to paint tulips. I want something real. I want to be in a place where no one needs anything from me, where someone else is holding the container. Where I can walk in the hills, feel the sun on my face. I want to make something with my hands. I want good food. I want to laugh. I want quiet. I want beauty — not the curated kind, but real beauty, the kind made by earth and light and time. I want to be surrounded by people I trust. People who can hold emotion without drowning in it, who know how to guide transformation with tenderness and strength.
So we came to Paros. And something in each of us came alive again.
When you arrive, you’ll feel it. The intention. The artistry. The beauty in the small things — the way the light hits the stone courtyard, the smell of orange blossoms on the breeze, the thoughtful layout of your materials, the warm laughter as you walk to catch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
What to Expect
Each day we will weave together a creative practice and coaching tools
Ease into the day, your way. Start with an early morning hike on quiet paths through wildflowers, or join us in the courtyard garden for a quiet mindfulness practice. Or—sleep in. Wander out when you're ready.
Mid-morning we come together to connect—to learn, share, create, and laugh. Some gatherings are reflective and quiet. Others are playful and full of adventure.
We will make things with our hands. No previous art skills are necessary. We are all creative and can play.
After our mornings of creativity we will have a delicious lunch in the courtyard garden.
The afternoons are open for rest, a swim, wandering, schedule a massage, or join us for open studio time. Our guides (see list below) will be available to assist you with your creative exploration – a time to complete projects or hone technique, write, think, connect.
Later afternoons will be a time for tea and coaching.
Want to take part in everything from morning to night? Great. Need a nap or time to wander solo? That’s welcome too. There’s no one right way to move through this experience. You get to listen to what you need and follow it, moment by moment.
Mountains and Sea
We will take time to explore the island. Optional morning walks start early. A half-day outing to Paros’ ancient olive groves comes with a picnic lunch. Thousand year old trees and layers of terraced fields are the backdrop - we will walk, write, sketch, pick wildflowers and gather herbs. And a second trip to a section of rocky coast to absorb the incredible turquoise of the sea and again, walk, write, sketch, and swim if the weather permits.
What’s Included
Daily creative workshops: printmaking, journaling, collage, drawing, and bookmaking
Morning practices: meditation, breathwork, and movement – or morning walks with a possible swim in the sea
Grounded coaching tools: mindfulness practices, self-inquiry, conversation, and insight
Two island adventures: a guided hike into the ancient olive groves and another along the rocky coast with picnic, journaling, sketching, and spectacular views
Beautiful shared meals: tea and coffee throughout the day, lunches, welcome/farewell dinners
Art materials, open studio time, and lovingly held creative space
Storytelling, Greek dancing, music, sunsets, and more
Note: You’ll arrange your own housing from our curated list of lovely nearby options.
Who and Where
Your Guides
We’ve been coming to Paros—and the Aegean Center for the Fine Arts—for over 30 years. Every time we need to reconnect, restore, or rekindle our creative spark, this is where we return. Paros, with its ancient wildness and quiet beauty, grounds us and transforms us every time.
Mehera Kleiner is an artist, somatic coach, and founder of Your Knowing Self. She has spent over two decades helping people come home to themselves. She brings depth, warmth, and a gift for making transformation feel both freeing and full of laughter.
Caroline Adams is a professional artist whose background spans decades of studio practice, exhibitions, and mentoring. Her teaching is intuitive, encouraging, and grounded in clear aesthetic guidance. She brings both heart and craft to every creative experience.
The Facilities
The Aegean Center For the Fine Arts
Our retreat is held at the Aegean Center for the Fine Arts — a beautiful, light-filled space tucked into the heart of Parikia. With its neoclassical architecture, creative studios, and warm gathering spaces, it’s the perfect place to slow down, make art, and reconnect with what matters. The Center has welcomed artists and seekers for decades, and you’ll feel the soul of that history as soon as you step inside. It’s not just a location — it’s part of the magic. The town of Parikia is a maze of picturesque winding streets, whitewashed buildings, tiny shops, bakeries, and cafes.
Ready to Return to Yourself?
Investment
Tuition: $2,800 (Includes all programming, supplies, tea, coffee, and snacks, lunch, welcome & farewell dinners, and excursions.)
Early Bird Rate: $2,500
(before December 31, 2025)
Deposit: $500 to reserve your spot
Payment plans available
Housing is not included — you’ll receive a curated list of nearby options, from luxury villas to cozy guesthouses.
Transportation to and from Paros is not included.
Optional 1:1 coaching with Mehera is available post-retreat at additional cost to support your integration.
Come With Us
This retreat is for you if:
You’re longing to reconnect with your creativity — to remember the joy of making something with your hands and reignite your inner artist.
You’re navigating a life transition and feel the deep call for change, clarity, and a fresh beginning.
You’re craving a pause from your everyday — space to breathe, rest, walk in nature, and rewild your senses.
You want to feel held in a space of warmth, presence, and kindness — to share stories, laughter, and stillness with others.
You’re ready to return to yourself — not just through insight, but through experience, embodiment, and beauty.
We’re not here to fix you. You’re not broken. We’re here to welcome you home to the self you’ve always been,
the person hidden under the doing, the proving, the giving, the pleasing.
If reading this made your shoulders drop a little — we hope you’ll come.
Reserve your spot below. Contact us with any questions.
With love, always.
Mehera, Cari, + The Return to Yourself Team
If your heart is whispering yes — listen. This retreat fills quickly because it’s intimate by design. We keep our group small, between 12 and 20 people, so each person feels truly seen, supported, and held.
If you’ve been craving something real… something nourishing, beautiful, and alive — this is it.
We would be honored to have you with us. Reserve your space while there’s still room.
