Retreat Testimonials
Testimonials are designed to show a business in the best possible light. Incredibly, however, the comments below are truly representative of those we receive.
“Just want you to know that I came back from Costa Rica and changed my life. I’ve sold my car and both my houses and bought a 2 bedroom condo in a favorite spot. Everything feels different and I’m off to a new adventure! Thanks and love!”
External Sources for Testimonials:
“What a Release”
“I can’t tell you how much your retreat made a difference in my life. What a release and relief! A good clearing and reset. Thank you so very much my Dear Montine! You are an incredible, beautiful soul and your work is so valuable and much needed in our society. Flowing you Love and Light always!
- Gail Thompson, Joshua Tree Retreat, 2024. “
“Blown Away”
“The Italy retreat was a really rich experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. I experienced a greater sense of freedom and I also feel like my mind has been expanded - blown away in fact by what all is possible - how art can be used to process through so much and connect with others. I am coming away with a feeling of excitement that there is this whole realm of possibility that I never knew existed before. Thank YOU!”
— EAT. PAINT. LOVE! Italy 2017
“If you go, you will hear over and over “trust the process”.
So, do the retreat and trust the process.”
“Bring yourself and takeaway more than you can imagine. It’s a beautiful journey that deserves to be honored. Thank you Montine for your guidance and love. ”
“Yesterday was really powerful for me... I spent the rest of the day out in nature, allowing my body and mind to gently process the shift that my spirit is making. I visited my painting upstairs twice during the day and sat with it in silence. I awoke early this morning and lay in bed a long time, still being with it in my minds eye, and listening to what it’s asking for. So now on this rainy, quiet day I’m heading back out to the studio to paint some more! I feel …hopeful and brave. ”
"Everything I Wanted in a Retreat"
”Montine is a sincere and gifted facilitator. Her techniques allow for some deep introspection but are also balanced with fun! The retreat is a great combination of healing work, exploring the local culture, and connecting with nature and each other. The More Mojo retreat was a great balance of everything I wanted in a retreat.” — More Mojo! Costa Rica 2019, Amy Yadron, Florida
“I experienced you, Montine, as a very gifted group facilitator. Insightful, sharply observant, right combo of non-judging encouragement and challenge to “do/be more.” Thank you for creating a space with a light-hearted balance of yin and yang.”
“You are awesome! I think you are a really gifted facilitator and I am so appreciative of all of your hard work to make this retreat so rich!”
“This is a very special and unique experience, and I would 100% recommend for anyone who is interested in exploring their inner world. I’ve participated in two online zoom workshops with Montine, which I loved, so I knew when I signed up for the in-person retreat in Italy that we would be guided in a safe, encouraging and gentle way. What I didn’t expect was how dynamic and fulfilling it was going to feel to be immersed in painting within a group. I really appreciated being able to unplug from my regular routine and life. I felt cared for and pampered with the amazing meals in such a beautiful place. I found myself looking forward to each day with true curiosity in what was going to come through me. It was a powerful heart-opening experience, and one that is continuing to unfold. Thank you!”
"Powerful Experience"
When you put 12 strangers together and ask them to arrive with an open mind for an experience they are unlikely to have imagined correctly, it could cause problems.
Montine's expertise and natural empathy made the transition from everyday life to something extraordinary fairly seamless. You would expect that the sort of person who signs up for 6 days of Intuition Painting would make us all similar, but this wasn't the case and the diversity enriched the retreat hugely.
My experience of life is that is often easier to bond with strangers than with someone you have known for a while - no baggage and greater freedom to be honest. The beautiful Tuscan scenery, the sunshine and the "unusual" but comfortable accommodation quickly removed you from normal life and made you open to the purpose of the retreat.
I had no particular expectations and at the beginning, when the group were strangers, there were a lot of self-conscious moments where I tried to suppress any cynicism I arrived with. After 24 hours the importance of authenticity and honesty were clear - why would you sign up for something like this and not give it your best shot?
Unlike some of the mysticism surrounding other sorts of retreats, this was profound and thoroughly understandable. Feeling safe within the group is fundamental and Montine manages this brilliantly; however it is the group itself which makes it work.
I have always had faith in humanity and this was enhanced by the lovely people I shared the week with...There was nothing I didn't like and it is an adventure I would certainly repeat.
— EAT.PAINT.LOVE! Italy 2019, Charlie Sharman, UK
“A Life-long Gift”
“This 5-day Intuitive Art & Yoga retreat with Montine as a whole is a haven. The pacing, the tenor, the process, the openness, the flexibliity we felt in being able to do what we needed is priceless. Montine strikes the right intuitive balance between guiding / prompting to allow us to find our voice. It is rich in the experience of transformation and a lifelong gift that enables us to grow and glow in our lives. ”
— EAT.PAINT.LOVE! Italy 2015
“Experience was amazing, the location was perfect, food was awesome and Montine was a wonderful guide!”
“Helped Us All Grow Inwardly”
”Montine is full of love, she’s wise beyond her years, her words and knowledge made me want to hang onto her every word. I could feel how well she was able to meld & incorporate her experience from being in the corporate world to create a well structured balanced retreat that helped us all grow inwardly. I loved being in her presence. I have attained a lot more wisdom that I can use in my life and happily pass on what she’s taught me to others on their journey.”
— Participant, Release & Empower, Florida 2018
“What I got out of the retreat was more than I even desired. I realized I could ask my own inner source the questions I want guidance and insight on. Montine shared a tool I could take with me to use when I feel lost. I feel like I have oomph in my soul and can step IN to my FULL self - - full of zest without hiding my voice.”
“It was an amazing experience with incredible people. I loved every minute of it, except the goodbyes.”
“An Experience Like No Other”
“Expect the unexpected. A lot of magic happens here.”
“Intuition Painting® is an exploration of life. If you go into the retreat with an open mind and heart you can tap into memories and experiences which often help release emotions both physically and through the painting. It is an experience like no other that allows you a safe place to be creative, explore your soul, and tap into a side of yourself you often didn't know was there. It is filled with aha moments, sometimes tears, and a lot of laughs all in a beautiful setting with exquisite food.”
— G. Walker, EAT.PAINT.LOVE! Italy 2016
“What amazing work you are doing. This is truly necessary and transformative work that had a big impact on me. For nearly two years, I have been meeting with various healers (reiki practitioners, acupuncturists, psychotherapists, yogis, energy medicine practitioners, etc.) and with a few exceptions, have been left disappointed. With this workshop, I felt big shifts in such a short time. Thank you so much!!””
“Growth & Renewal”
“Each time I go, something else in me loosens. Once blocked paths are beginning to look a bit less impassible. I see positive, incremental changes happening in my life and others with whom I’ve painted and shared in these workshops have expressed similar experiences of growth and renewal.
We, as a culture, spend a lot of time running around chasing our tails, chasing our jobs, chasing each other and rarely do we find time for ourselves so that we may actually chase our dreams. The few hours I spend painting each week or every other week provide a type of quiet and time for reflection rare to find these days. The least of what I get each time I go is a fun evening playing with paints, and the best, I look forward to discovering.”
— Jill A. Hall, 2005
“I am more accepting and more patient. I am learning to let go of perfection and relax.”
“Thank you for everything you do! I got exactly what I was looking for. I got my confidence back, and more. I’ve even been experiencing more confidence in my current jobs as an art therapist, and feel more calm in general.”
"This is for You!"
”If you are looking for a unique soul-searching journey of self-discovery through an intuitive painting experience, whatever stage of life you are in... this is for you! Bonus: no painting experience required! Trust the process! I would recommend "More Mojo" hands down ;o) ”
— More Mojo! Costa Rica 2019, Gabrielle, Canada
“The Mirrors of Strength and Inspiration activity allowed each member of our office “team” to explore her/his unique qualities in a safe environment. The early time together brought our shy-ness to the forefront. Then came the playful involvement...suddenly we were lost in our visions, activating our curiousity. By the close of the day, each person willingly shared a creation with the group. We saw new possibilities in each other, for the workplace and beyond.
As the senior leader of this 20-person group, I benefited in two significant ways from this experience. First, I learned more about the strengths and goals of each team member. Second was the capacity to show myself as open willing to look into the unknown.
Many of our mirrors now adorn the office conference room giving rise to new conversations within a larger community.”
— JoNell A. Usher, Assistant Dean, Emory University, 2006
I was looking for an artistic experience to help me set my creative side free. Montine’s Intuion Painting® Workshop has truly been a gift. Through the process, I’ve been able to better understand my “edges” and face them with direct action. With Montine as the watchful guide, the experience has been nothing less than transformative. Montine is a rare find. She is smart, intuitive, caring, compassionate, inspiring. She provides a safe and inviting atmosphere where one can safely push their boundaries. Highly recommend!”
— M.S., Combination of Coaching, Workshops, & Retreats, Malibu, CA, 2014-2017
“This process saved my life.”
“I just love Montine. She is that rare gift of honoring, listening, seeing, knowing, and engaging us to grow at our own pace however we need. With her, the scariness in looking at our darker places is all OK and becomes something we grow to look forward to. Gentle, wise, and fiery, amazing healing alchemy is Montine.”
— J.S., Intuition Painting® Workshop, 2015
“I know this work to be deep and transformational, best gift you could give yourself.”
“Exceeded All My Expectations”
“This retreat was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Beginning with the facilitators, Elise and Montine, who were hands down two of the most creative, beautiful, honest, vulnerable and supportive individuals I’ve ever met. They really made the retreat something so incredibly special and created an environment where all the participants not only got comfortable, but felt like they were supported like family. The facilities were on the beautiful grounds of Kashi Ashram which was a powerful space conducive to creativity and inner work. The entire retreat completely exceeded all of my expectations!”
— Release & Empower! Florida 2017
“I Left with a Smile that I Don't Think I Have Ever had Before.”
“It provided a great balance of painting time, together time, yoga was a fabulous addition and really added a huge value for care of the body and spirit that danced beautifully with the painting process. And of course, the food! BEYOND:) It felt like an organic Jazz piece and I left with a smile that I don't think I have ever had before.”
— EAT. PAINT. LOVE! Italy 2017
“Oh What a Ride!
The Tuscan Intuitive Painting and Yoga Retreat was a wonderful journey. A sensory roller coaster filled with laughs, tears, joy, frustration, singing, dancing, great food and wine, beautiful people, meaningful tales and deep places. A journey of self discovery, introspection and transformation. You’ll find yourself wanting to go another round!”
— Susan Wells, EAT. PAINT. LOVE! 2017
“Thanks for opening up your welcoming and safe environment. I was looking for a way to disengage my logical self and rediscover the joy of creating with colours & paint. I got that - but I actually ended up with so much more. You’ve triggered a renewed desire to tap into my intuition and I’ve reconnected now. I’d strayed off the path and you’ve shone the light to get me back on track.”
“It was Very Freeing!”
“I am now going to continue to paint, even though I never saw myself as a painter. I was very proud of what I created by going totally into myself and expressing it through art. It wouldn’t have happened without your intuitive guidance! I also learned to let go of what I created to be “perfect” and to let go of comparing myself to others. It was very freeing!”
— Joan Quinlan, EAT. PAINT. LOVE! 2017
“I GOT SO MUCH MORE OUT OF THIS RETREAT THAN I EXPECTED!”
I gained confidence, the final PUSH I needed to just LET GO of my obsessions and finally release to move forward in my life. The entire retreat (not just the painting aspect) helped support me in this movement.”
— Release & Empower! Florida 2017
“I enjoyed this class and recommend it to anyone and everyone. I have no training in painting of any kind and felt at ease right away. The instructor is very smart, kind,and patient. I really lucked out finding it!”
“Recommend to Everyone, Male or Female, Whether They Paint or Not”
“I would recommend this experience to everyone, male or female, whether they paint or not, as it helps bring out the creative in you. More importantly, the process of painting and expanding on the same picture over the course of the retreat, gives you the gift of time, to focus on your inner thoughts and feelings, something we rarely get to do, in this fast paced world. This time helps you to pinpoint and isolate any issues currently stopping you from living the life you yearn for today. Once these issues are highlighted, you then able to start dealing with them, removing the blocks, so that you can move forward in life.”
— Maggie Olson, EAT. PAINT. LOVE! 2017
“Montine Montine Montine!!! I just had to write you and tell you that I am still “high” from class today...and it wasn’t from the paint and mod podge fumes.
”I have so desperately needed an outlet for my creativity. I need to be creating! Today I decided that while 9 to 5 I may belong to the job that is sustaining me financially...the other 16 hours of the day are MINE and I can begin making those hours work for me. I don’t know if anyone else has had such a powerful experience but I rushed home (doing the speed limit of course!) and immediately started journaling my experience.
”I hope you realize how much you are touching lives. I felt alive. I felt refreshed. I felt energized. I felt happy. I felt inspired. I felt I was in a good place and I want to keep creating that place for myself. Thank you for opening a whole new world of discovery for me. I haven’t been able to stop staring at my mirror!!! I do love it!”
— Shannon Caprio, Partner, ICE, 2003
“Intuition Painting® is like the yoga of art-making!”
“I was reminded of something very personal I had been carrying with me for over 20 years. The workshop gave me some unexpected clarity and relief in dealing with a personal tragedy.”
— C.S., Intuition Painting® Workshop, 2014