The Art of Not Knowing
A Creative Journey into Listening, Mystery & Possibility with Helen Bradley
What if you didn’t have to know what comes next?
So much of our lives is spent searching for answers, making plans, figuring things out, and trying to know where we're going.
But what if, for one beautiful week in the Tuscan countryside, you gave yourself permission to set all of that down?
To slow down.
To listen.
To create.
To play, explore, wander, wonder, and simply see what emerges.
The Art of Not Knowing is an invitation to do just that.
Through expressive art-making, soulful conversation, reflection, deep listening, play, and the beauty of Tuscany itself, we'll explore another way of knowing. One that begins not with having the answer, but with listening.
We might begin with a mark, a color, a question, or an impulse we can't quite explain.
And then... see what happens next.
Simply making room for what we might discover when we stop needing to know.
October 3-9, 2027 | Tuscany, Italy
Helen Bradley
Helen Bradley is an artist, Creativity Life Coach, Expressive Arts Facilitator, and founder of Playful Art Studio.
For more than two decades, Helen has guided thousands of people through creative experiences that invite deeper listening, self-expression, and discovery. Her work weaves together expressive art-making, movement, sound, journaling, poetry, spiritual practice, and a healthy dose of play.
Helen holds a Master's degree in Spiritual Psychology and a Doctorate in Spiritual Science. Her doctoral work, Art as a Prayer, explored the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and our connection to the Divine. She is also a certified Expressive Arts Facilitator and professional Creativity Coach.
Helen believes creativity is part of being human. She creates spaces where curiosity is welcomed, perfection is unnecessary, and something new has room to emerge, whether through painting BIG, making an unexpected mark, listening, laughing, getting messy, or simply beginning without knowing where you're going.
"Helen is truly a master facilitator. I have attended many different types of programs over the years, but nothing has transformed me as profoundly as the work I have done in Helen’s workshops. She has helped me connect with parts of myself I didn’t know existed, and reconnect with parts of myself that had become dormant through shame or fear. "
—Melody Barooni, MA, Producer, Speaker, Executive Voice Coach Aligned Voices
What to Expect
Make Room for the Unexpected.
Our mornings will begin together in circle and unfold into creative exploration and expressive art-making.
We’ll create alongside one another, listen, share, experiment, play, and follow our creative curiosity. Some experiences may invite painting or mark-making. Others may weave in words, journaling, poetry, movement, music, collage, or whatever else finds its way into our creative space.
There is no right way to create here. You don’t have to know where you’re going before you begin. In fact, that’s part of the adventure.
After lunch, the studio will remain available for anyone who wants to continue creating. Or you may rest, wander, sit by the pool, take a walk, enjoy a glass of wine, nap, explore, or simply do absolutely nothing.
On many days, we’ll come together again before dinner to reconnect, share what has emerged, listen to one another, and simply be together.
And then there is Tuscany.
The landscape, food, wine, villages, conversations, long meals, and unexpected moments are not time away from the retreat.
They are part of it.
Because listening happens there, too.
Who is This For?
Come curious. Leave room for discovery.
This retreat isn’t about being an artist, or not being one.
If you’ve been making art your entire life, bring that part of yourself.
If you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since childhood, bring that part of yourself too.
No previous art experience is necessary.
Bring your curiosity.
Bring your questions.
You don’t need to know what you’re coming to find.
Perhaps that’s the point.
Sometimes not knowing is where the adventure begins.
Included in your Bella Vita retreat:
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Group transfer to and from the Rome airport
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6 nights lodging at Fattoria del Colle
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Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Daily classes with your retreat leader
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Wine tasting, winery tour & and ancient chapel
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Pici pasta making class
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Excursion to Pienza - UNESCO heritage village
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State of the art classroom studio
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Daily concierge and office staff
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On-site laundry-available at your own cost
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Massage-available at your own cost
**Airfare not included
Retreat Location Details
Nestled in Tuscany’s Chianti region, Fattoria Del Colle sets the stage for our unforgettable retreats in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Home to Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s trailblazing, all-female-owned winery, this estate—with a winemaking legacy dating back to the 16th century—combines history, passion, and tradition in every corner.
Our retreats invite you to connect with the land and yourself. Stroll through sun-drenched vineyards, savor award-winning wines paired with exquisite meals at the renowned Osteria di Donatella, and immerse yourself in the beauty of a 16th-century villa and charming chapel. Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling vineyards and the medieval village of Trequanda—an unforgettable backdrop for every moment of your retreat.
Pricing & Reservations
Come enjoy 6 nights in wild Tuscany!
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$4,900 - Private Accommodations
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(Completely Private Apartment w/ Private Bedroom and Bathroom)
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$4,700 - Shared Accommodations
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(Shared Lodging in an Apartment w/ Private Bedroom)
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Please note:
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There are a limited number of completely private Apartments available
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Airfare is not included.
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Since our retreats explore local food traditions, much of what we are discovering, learning and eating will be very challenging for vegans. Unfortunately we cannot provide substitutes.
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Please inquire with us directly at info@vitabellaretreats.com for plus-one special pricing
Space is limited to 12 guests to make for a more intimate atmosphere.
MAKE A $1,500 DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY.
