Creative Soundscapes with Margaret Soraya

Listen in to hear Margaret reflect upon her inspiring day which began with a chat with Claire Walsh for next week's upcoming podcast, moved on to a photography teaching session with the delightful Keela and culminated in some evening beach down time and swim. 

Chatting about what she learned from both experiences, Margaret gives an insight into her life, health and battles. 

An incredible free spirit, Claire explained that to create freely, you must create for yourself alone. Powerful, authentic and emotional images will follow. 

Hear about 11 year old Keela's wonderful, child-like freedom whilst creating her photography.  Her liberating 'just try it and see' attitude' is amazing! A truly lovely afternoon in nature and swimming.

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com

 Being alone often fosters my most innovative thoughts and it's a necessity for me to spend some quiet time each morning, letting my mind wander and create. However, creativity isn't just about enjoying solitude, it's about finding the right balance of alone time and meaningful interactions. Engaging in deep, thought-provoking conversations, whether it's during my podcast interviews or within my online community, can also spark a wave of creative ideas.

It's not uncommon for you to find me lost in the world of photography. The art of capturing moments, the tranquility of nature, and the thrill of immortalizing memories, it's akin to meditation for me. Photography is more than just a hobby, it’s an extension of self-expression, and taking a break from it sometimes allows me to come back with a fresh perspective. This episode gets even more interesting as we bring in Sebastian Wehrle who shares his unique insights on photography. A true creative at heart, Sebastian provides a fresh perspective on the importance of constantly creating through photography. So, join us on this introspective journey where we discuss solitude, creativity, and the magic of photography.

https://www.instagram.com/sebastian_wehrle/

https://sebastian-wehrle.de/shop/

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com

 Join Kj nNasrul and myself as we dive into this thought-provoking topic and uncover the essential role of self-awareness in our lives. With the COVID pandemic forcing us to confront our own reflections on screens, the importance of understanding ourselves has never been more crucial. In this episode, we discuss self-esteem, perfectionism, and the inner critic while touching on the uncomfortable yet rewarding practice of mirror work.

Discover the connection between self-awareness, self-esteem, and authentic creativity as we explore the importance of relying on our inner compass, rather than seeking external validation. Learn how to embrace your unique gifts and talents and find an environment that nurtures your true self. Our conversation also covers the power of letting go and being present in our creative endeavors, cultivating a sense of freedom and joy through mindful self-talk and connection with our surroundings.

Finally, we delve into the challenges of unlearning external validation and rediscovering our intuition. We discuss techniques for building self-confidence through practice and repetition, as well as the healing power of reading, journaling, and even retreats in Bali. It's time to embark on a transformative journey towards self-awareness, self-esteem, and finding your authentic creative self. 

Kj's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blissbeginswithin/

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com

During my recent retreat experience, I realized the immense value of self-care for our mental and creative well-being. Join me in this episode as I open up about my retreat reflections and discuss the importance of self-care with some of my fellow retreat participants.

Together, we explore the significance of putting on our own oxygen mask before helping others, especially when it comes to parenthood. Having a supportive partner can make all the difference in creating an environment that nurtures self-care and self-investment. We also delve into the challenges of disconnecting from the outside world to truly relax and refocus our energy on personal growth and reconnecting with our creative side.

Finally, we discuss the idea of productivity during retreats, emphasizing the importance of silence and allowing our minds the space to process emotions and thoughts. Trusting the process and not trying to control it can lead to more creative solutions and ideas emerging naturally. So, don't miss this insightful and inspiring episode as we share our experiences and thoughts on the power of self-care, retreats, and embracing our own unique paths. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and self-love.

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com

A podcast recorded on location as I revisit the beach in Holland that holds a special place in my heart. I share personal, nostalgic moments of my childhood and discuss the importance of family connections and ideas around generational patterns.   I am beginning to explore how these experiences have shaped my life and work.

I also touch on the value of scheduling time for creative pursuits and personal growth. From beach trips in Holland to a retreat in Italy, discover the importance of spending our free time in ways that truly matter to us. Be inspired to prioritize your own health, learning, and exploration, and take a step towards living a more fulfilled and meaningful life.

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com

Imagine taking a leap of faith and stepping out of your comfort zone, only to discover a newfound sense of confidence and personal growth. That's precisely what happened to our incredible guest, Lesley Lintott, who conquered her chronic shyness by participating in a masterclass last year. In today's episode, we delve into Lesley's inspiring journey and discuss the power of vulnerability in both our connections and our creative pursuits.

Together, we explore the delicate balance between protecting our creative work and putting ourselves out there to grow and connect with others. Through authentic conversations, we uncover the role of vulnerability in tapping into our unique voice and artistic style. Lesley and I also discuss the challenges of perfectionism, criticism, and fear of failure, and share valuable insights on how to break free from these barriers.

As we wrap up our discussion, Lesley shares her experience of overcoming the fear of public speaking and the transformative impact of listening to her own voice. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability in all aspects of our lives, and how it can ultimately help us create meaningful art and forge deeper connections. So join us and be inspired to face your fears, embrace your vulnerability, and unleash your creativity.

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com

A first-ever outdoor podcast recorded during a trip to the Isle of Mull.  In this solo episode Margaret talks about the great things that happen when we have space and time. You can also see the video version over on YouTube. 

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com

Wendy Bagnall is a photographic artist who lives in Surrey, England, the natural landscape being the inspiration behind her work.

Wendy tells us about her unsettled feelings about  her photography. She is unsure quite what's troubling her but finds herself in a funny phase, questioning lots of things, feeling a loss of identity and possibly a lack of a challenge. She's been doing a lot of reflecting and reading,  not forcing anything, just giving herself space.  

Co-incidentally, Margaret finds herself in a similar situation and whilst not  bored with photography itself, is bored with the same old conversations around the more superficial things such as technicals but is excited around conversations such as self compassion, perfectionism and creativity at a deeper level.

They explore how this thoughtful, questioning period is necessary on occasions.  Sometimes it's just time to rest and think things through which will hopefully result in more conscious and self-aware work.

How  to re-inspire yourself when in these lulls? They acknowledging that every so often you have to stop and take stock to ensure you're on the right track and, if not, choose a different path.  Hear how they talk about new ways of exploring creativity, eg writing, video, painting etc.

This candid, gentle  chat gives lots to think about and it will be very interesting to hear how their lives have moved on when they next catch up.

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com

Margaret has been thinking for a long time about sharing more of her lifestyle whilst being out and about in Harris, passionately believing in the physical and mental benefits of the outdoors. Be transported from her doorstep in Harris to the beautiful beaches.

Wondering why it has taken so long to do this she has realised that starting something new takes time and 'letting go' is the hardest part.  Once we let go of the outcome, what other people think, worrying about it all, the process becomes easier. 

Listen in to hear about Margaret's summer. You'll love hearing about her move to Harris, her workshops, her Harris exhibition, the autumn Festival, her online community, etc. 

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com

Christina Golian is a creative and well-being coach based in Scotland. Her career has taken many twists and turns over the years including wedding photography, journalism and coaching. In common with many people, she re-assessed her work and family life during lockdown and we learn where this has taken her.

Listen in to hear Margaret and Christina explore the origins of self belief, where it comes from.  Acknowledging that most people carry self-doubt, they chat about the possible reasons for this and the ways in which we can build 'scaffolding' to support us. 

They give personal examples about how our life experiences influence our development and how they worked through their inner critics. Christina is a firm believer that compassion and self-compassion when things don't quite go to plan was fundamental to building her self belief.

This lovely and insightful conversation taps into the value of surrounding yourself with positive people and affirmations, accepting compliments, embracing failure and much, much more.

The chat concludes with Christina describing her Masterclass at Margaret's Festival in October 23. This fun session will cover self belief, compassion and the role of positive emotions - and how to tap into that.

https://www.instagram.com/christinagolian/

𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links:

My Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/

Online Creative Haven community

https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Creative Festival

https://creative-light.co.uk/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaretSoraya

Retreats

https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk

Weddings

http://sorayaphoto.com