By: Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/22/24 – The road to the top of any industry is fraught with challenges. At times there is danger – potholes, traffic jams and that CHP Officer behind the billboard – and at other times, its smooth sailing – no traffic and not a cop for miles.
The difference between the two states of reality often is a matter of our Chi (pronounced ‘chee’), the energy that flows through us and through everything. It is that which gives you life. With its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts, the concept of Chi focuses on the idea of a vital life force and its role in our health, stamina, and, ultimately, our success.
Filmmaker Patricia Chica has long been a student of Chi. Chica has developed workshops, given talks at universities and film festivals, and now she has an opportunity for folks in the entertainment industry to tap into their Chi.
Her Costa Rica Conscious Retreat is for actors, directors, writers, producers, performance artists, and all creatives in the screen and stage industries. It is a transformational and immersive creative laboratory experience. This personal development retreat stretches over five days with training activities and a generous amount of free time for participants to enjoy Costa Rica on their own.
THT’s readers can apply to get a $500 USD grant towards the retreat.
In a recent exclusive interview with The Hollywood Times from her home in Montreal, Chica spoke about the workshops she has developed over the last 10 years as a Chi Energy Educator. She said focusing on energy can make a significant difference for creatives like those in the entertainment industry.
Click below for our exclusive interview:
“It all starts with the energy we carry with us that goes outside of us,” Chica said. “In these workshops I teach people to understand how energy awareness, mindset psychology and connecting to the higher realm of creativity, visualization, really brings the best out of us.”
“It can be more presence, more grounding, more stamina, simply better communication and also better non-verbal communication skills. How we present ourselves, how we enter the room is really the key to set the tone for the day.”
Participants in the Costa Rica retreat will explore personal and professional growth. Over the first three days, the retreat will focus on the deconstruction of limiting beliefs, reconstructing a mindset for heightened awareness, elevate consciousness, boost stamina, ignite creativity, enhance intuitive skills, and cultivate a state of flow. Chica said these were the concepts that have made her more creative.
“I had to learn that for myself as a director,” she said of her own study of Chi energy. “When I go on set, when I show up with my best energy, my best mindset, it reflects on the whole day.”
That tapped-in energy facilitates better communication and creativity among her whole team, she said, adding that it elevates everyone to work together in a harmonious and safer state.
“It’s better for mental health, it’s better for happiness because you feel more fulfilled,” Chica said.
Chica, becoming an advocate for Chi energy, has benefitted her a great deal as she feels compelled to help her fellow creatives.
Participants will learn easy and practical energy tools that will help them stay grounded, focused, and empowered in any situation on or off the set, the stage and in life itself. A pre-workshop Zoom meeting will help participants and retreat staff focus on individual goals and intentions. Following the workshop, participants will benefit from access and discounts to additional virtual and in-person masterclasses, initiatives at the Cannes Film Festival and other Chi Energy workshops and events. Participants will receive a certificate after completion of the workshop.
The Costa Rica Conscious Retreat is scheduled for MARCH 16-22, 2025. It will take place over seven days and six nights, and the registration deadline is September 15, 2024. You can find more information at Chica’s website.
