My name is Anna, and I am a creative coach, story facilitator, and writer. I work with artists of all kinds to help them connect with their creative calling and develop their artistic voice. My art and writing, currently spoken word poetry and audio drama, explore the ways we navigate webs of identity and relationships — the dynamic tensions between ourselves and others.
I’ve had the deep pleasure of being a creative-in-residence at Matt Chapman’s incredible Parihoa farm for the past week, a truly transformative experience on all levels. I arrived creatively burnt out, and left creatively replenished, with my inspiration, vision, and purpose reignited. While it’s hard to put into words what makes this place so special, and I highly recommend you come experience it for yourself — whether via a residency, workshop, or event — I have tried to capture some of that magic here.
I had heard Parihoa was special, but nothing prepared me for the experience. It is wildly beautiful — the land with its rolling hills, stunning cliffs, and ocean views, and the living spaces, perfectly designed to blend beauty and comfort, making you feel contained and at one with nature. But the real beauty radiates from within. Matt’s creative and generous spirit can be felt in every corner of this place.
I came to co-facilitate a night of storytelling with my friend Marko Ayling and to work on my coming-of-age audio drama — something I struggle to find space for in my day-to-day life. Within hours of arriving, my nervous system relaxed and reset gently and subtly. I realised, when I laughed spontaneously, lightly, and fully for the first time in weeks, that I had already begun to shift. I slipped easily into the rhythm of life here: waking up and journaling to the sound of the ocean and birds, walking along the clifftops, writing by the pool, working out in the gym, plunging in the ice bath, relaxing in the sauna, and finishing the day with a nourishing meal and reading by the fireplace. I found my body strengthening, my mind slowing and quickening at the same time, and my words flowing onto the page. Not only was I relaxed and open — key to creativity — but something about this place gave me permission to value my wellbeing and my writing in a way that reignited my creative flow. And, for the first time in my life, I found myself dreaming boldly and brightly into the new year, with full belief and commitment.
There was another key element that made this experience what it was — I was lucky enough to share this space with two other incredibly talented and beautiful humans and writers, Marko Ayling and Raymond Braun. Creating alongside them was the antidote I needed for my often solitary writing life. As we shared meals, read each other’s work, and went for walks, we helped each other deepen and expand our stories, clarify our intentions and goals, and develop a stronger sense of the unique perspective we each offer through our respective projects. The richness came not only from sharing and responding to each other's writing, but also from our informal conversations about life, the universe, and everything.
A highlight of the week was the intimate community storytelling night we hosted. A beautiful group of people from all walks of life came together to share a delicious meal and tell stories. I was moved beyond even my high expectations as I watched this place work its magic on everyone who came, and saw people open up and share stories that would be difficult to tell even with close friends — with strangers. It is rare to witness such vulnerability and courage, and so meaningful to see everyone experience the healing power of being heard, seen, and felt. I myself experienced this as I shared my personal story in front of a group for the first time. Everyone left with full hearts and new personal and creative connections.
I cannot speak about my stay at Parihoa without naming our superstar host, Fleur, who not only made sure we had everything we needed (meeting your practical needs, like food, drinks, and rest, is an essential but often overlooked part of creativity) but also brought the vibe. Her grounded, loving, and playful energy set the perfect tone for the retreat and brought us all together.
The theme for the storytelling night was metamorphosis, and only now, in hindsight, can I see just how apt this theme was. A metamorphosis is a transformation at a molecular level — a being reborn as something new, like a caterpillar into a butterfly. I came to Parihoa as someone who couldn’t connect with others without losing connection with herself — a constant tug of war that made it deeply challenging to balance supporting others and supporting myself. I came in as someone who struggled to value her own dreams the way she valued others'. I have emerged from Parihoa a different person, deeply connected to my own mind, body, and soul, and deeply connected to others, inspired to follow my calling of helping others fulfil their dreams as I fulfil my own.
I invite you, with all my heart, to come experience Parihoa and the wellbeing network for yourself.