Creative Soundscapes with Margaret Soraya

Land Art: A Journey of Mindfulness and Connection with Laurence Winram

Join Margaret whilst she chats with Laurence Winram, a professional photographer from Aberdeen and now based in Edinburgh. It's fascinating to hear how he balances his diverse commercial and unusual creative work.  Laurence describes in detail how he creates his beautiful land art  At these times, he is embracing the moment,  whilst practising gratitude and mindfulness.  He loves the connection to nature. He creates his design, takes the image and within hours the scene can degrade and be r...

Using quiet times & creativity for healing - in Kerala, India

Join Margaret as she introduces us to some sounds, thoughts and feelings she experienced during her recent trip to Kerala, India. Since 2016, she has regularly headed to India for Ayurvedic treatments and the time felt right for her to return this March . She explains how her time there helped with ongoing feelings of grief, gave her space to write and to think and, as always, use creativity as an outlet. A calming, thoughtful reflection of her time at this retreat. Sign up to the next Cre...

Anni Townend encourages us to walk and have 'mini adventures' each day

Anni Townend is a Leadership Partner, Coach and Mentor to Executive Teams and Senior Leaders, as well as being an Author, Facilitator, and Entrepreneur and Podcast Host of Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend. Join Margaret  as they talk about the benefits of walking and talking. Anni explains that walking is one of the ways in which she renews herself and this has always been a criteria for her when deciding where she lives. They further explore  the equation of creativity, collabora...

5 things that I have done to navigate a difficult time in life

Listen in to Margaret explain how she is navigating the various stages of grief she is experiencing.  As always she instinctively turns to creativity and nature, whilst at all times listening to what her body needs, tuning in to what makes her feel better. Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Join my online Creative ...

Brie Stockwell on concious creativity and thoughts on sharing our work

Brie Stockwell is a photographer, confidence coach and lifelong creative.  Join Margaret as they chat about the benefits of sharing their creative work Whilst both enjoy spending time to reflect and create solo, they explore the value of having 'pockets' of people whose feedback and encouragement is vital. Listen whilst they discuss Brene Brown's Square Squad  and having a small group whom you respect and whose opinions matter. They explore how Brie's coaching is very important to her and ...

Lean into what you enjoy rather than what you should be doing at Christmas

Thoughts around self-care and well-being at Christmas - a solo episode with Margaret  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Join my online Creative Haven community : https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

Roundup of the Creative Light Festival and new dates announced

A roundup of the Creative Light Festival, its speakers,  masterclasses, and activities. Snippets from Christina Golian's  'Spark Your Creativity' masterclass, an extract from  Lisa Paulson and an exciting announcement about future festival dates that you can look forward to - the 2024 event at Broughton Sanctuary and a community-focused 2025 event in Harris. You can see details of the new festivals here  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ S...

Navigating Life's Challenges with Creativity and Kindness

Join Margaret as she shares her thoughts whilst navigating an emotional and overwhelming time in her life. She expresses her gratitude for the many acts of kindness she has received and, as always for her, how her art is instrumental in helping her cope. You can see Broughton Santuary here And see details for Creative light at Broughton here  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Fol...

Trusting your Artistic Instincts with LeAnn Phelan

LeAnn Phelan is a singer music industry professional based in Nashville, LeAnn offers an insight into her journey through creativity. She helps creatives be seen, heard and encouraged.  They chat about the value of travelling alone and how they love to explore, meet new people and the 'power' of independence.  It opens up a whole new world of growth and possibilities. It's interesting to hear how both Margaret and LeAnn explore as many different types of creativity as possible and how they...

Reflections and laughter with Mali Davies - A Creative light episode

Margaret catches up with Mali Davies at this year's Creative Light Festival to get his insights to the weekend. Describing the experience as transformative and unique, he explains how he has never seen the beautiful Autumn colours in quite this way before. It was sensory overload! Meeting with like-minded people, face-to-face, in such circumstances was almost surreal to him. Listen whilst he recalls 'dancing with Joe Cornish" and chatting with Sean Tucker, Moving on, they chat about the ...

Thoughts on generosity and sharing with Joe Cornish at the Creative light festival

I am talking with the amazing  Joe Cornish, a landscape photographer known for his woodland images at this years creative light festival. Joe gave a talk and led some outdoor workshops during the festival and it was his spirit of kindness and generosity that really grabbed me.  We also talk about how community and connection can inspire and influence our creative process, a concept embodied at the Creative Light Festival.  Talking through  the importance of gratitude and generosity in our c...

Exploring Creativity and Balance with Elizabeth Hockney

This episode features Elizabeth Hockney, a part-time doctor, whose passion for photography  has added colour and vibrancy to her life. She shares her journey to creating more abstract and painterly images. Elizabeth talks about the importance of finding a group of like-minded people - your tribe - to share and grow with,  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: h...

Immersion in Water Photography and Theatre: A Discussion with Bill Ward

Immersion is not just for theatre, as Bill demonstrates with his  approach to photography. We talk about the world of water photography as Bill shares his experiences and  we chat into the energy and the pure exhilaration of capturing the ocean's moods. We explore the uplifting power of encouragement and the joy found in the process of creating. Bill talks about using social media to share and connect, the importance of authenticity, and how following one's instincts can lead to extraordin...

Retreat St Ives; Creativity through fun, community, space and rest

Join me as I share our transformative journey in our first creative retreat in St ives. surf lessons, early morning tranquility, and the joy of being in the here and now as catalysts of creativity.  How reconnecting with our inner voice and creating space for rest can nurture our creative spirit. I also highlight the significance of inspiring communities in fostering creativity.  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to h...

Behind the Scenes with Photographer Jason Baxter

Jason Baxter, an accomplished photographer and videographer from Edinburgh picked up his first camera at the age of 14. Fast forward two decades later, he's transformed his passion into a thriving career. But it's not all about the lens - transitioning to videography during the pandemic, Jason has utilised his skills and perspective to craft narratives, telling stories that influence how we perceive our surroundings. The journey to success is rarely a straight path, and Jason's is no diffe...

Quiet Moments: How to take the Pressure off your creative time

A solo episode around the idea of making mistakes and moving on rather than dwelling.  Why we beat ourselves up about the small things. Then onto a recording made at home in Harris in front of the fire where I speak about taking the pressure off and how taking small steps in your creative time can lead to happier and more joyous moments.  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me ...

Emily Endean: a photographers life on the road

Emily Endean, a full time photographer based in the UK, has completely transformed her life over the last year.  Her inspiring story details a modern-day traveller who traded her conventional life for the freedom of van life. I chat with Emily about life on the road, the joy of freedom, and the ability to focus on creativity. But also the reality of the cold winter months, finding showers and washing clothes.  We talk about how Emily has explored various income avenues. From shooting weddi...

Finding Inner Peace and Well-Being with Kate Jones

Leadership and life coach, Kate Jones chats with me on this weeks podcast. We explore the value of seeking out support, and not just when you’re in crisis. Coaching and mentoring aren’t just for therapy, but can be the guidance you need to create something new in your life. Sharing personal experiences, we shed light on the differences between therapy and coaching, and the importance of finding the right mentors. Trusting the process of change and transformation can be challenging, but it’s...

Vulnerability and Visibility: New documentary by Sean Tucker on my creative life

 Sean Tucker recently came over to the isle of Harris to make a documentary on my creative life for his YouTube channel. Touching in Introversion and my path through life. Vulnerability and being visible online is explored in this episode. You can watch the documentary here: www.youtube.com/@seantuck Sean's website  Sean's Instagram  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me...

Quiet Moments - Give yourself grace

Recorded on the beach with the backdrop of crashing waves, I wanted to talk about comparing our progress with others and feeling inadequate with how much we are doing. And It's okay to not be doing as much as others. We all have different lives, commitments, and work paces. The important thing is taking small steps forward.  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: ...

Quiet Moments mini episode: How far have you come

A solo mini episode about my passion for creativity and how it has not just shaped my life, but also become a cornerstone in my family's ethos. I discuss my own creative pursuits - painting, writing a book, and managing this podcast, each laden with its share of self-doubt and perseverance.  I chat about " How far have you come"  and Morgan Harper Nichols' empathetic poems.  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear ...

Balancing Music, Creativity, and Career with Eric Hemion

Eric Hemian, is atalented music and sound producer and we chat about the reality of pursuing a creative profession. His transition from performing musician to a successful freelance composer and producer is not only inspiring but is also filled with practical advice. He discusses the balancing act between creative expression and earning a living, and why he prefers commissioning custom music pieces over generic ones. Eric's journey is a tale of unlearning and discovering joy in new creative...

Thoughts on the Inner Critic

After a recent workshop led by  Kate Jones from Neon Living in my Creative Haven community, I wanted to share some of my own thoughts on how I work with my own inner critic. Join me on an early morning walk on the Outer Hebrides with Skye my whippet, as I talk about whats happening in my life at the moment as well as how I cope with my inner critic!  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: ...

Encouraging Women onto YouTube with Adele and Max Warner Tate

Join me as I chat with Adele and Max Warner Tate about making YouTube videos. We discuss how creating video content for personal enjoyment can help overcome the intimidation of public critique. We talk about of working with a partner,and how this eases the workload. Talking through why there arent more females on YouTube. Talking about time constraints and the delicate balancing act between personal and professional commitments. Tune in for our tips on carving out space for passion project...

Exploring Aviemore: Photography, Connection, and Passion with David Russell

My conversation with David uncovers how photography transcends the mere act of capturing a moment. It's about forming deep connections, understanding the essence of a place. We talk about how childhood experiences can influence our work.   Passion drives us, and David's unwavering passion for the outdoors is a testament to that. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the magic and wonders of Aviemore through the fascinating lens of David Russell from Highland Wildscapes Sign up to the next Crea...

The Shiant Isles swim with Immerse Hebrides: Embracing play and gratitude in your photography

This episode recounts my journey to the Shiant Isles with Immerse Hebrides. Initially, my vision was to photograph birds, but the landscape had other plans. It offered me a different kind of surprise - jellyfish, something I had never thought of photographing. The experience emphasized a key insight, that openness and adaptability can lead to rewarding adventures in photography. Immerse Hebrides Instagram Immerse Hebrides website Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https...

Braving the Depths: Claire Walsh on Writing, Diving, and Mental Health

Join me as I have a conversation with the extraordinary Claire Walsh, an accomplished Irish free diver and author. We venture into her exhilarating world, exploring her book 'Underwater,' her unique writing process, and how she managed to overcome self-doubt during its creation. We delve into the arduous rewrites, the tension of planning a wedding amidst it all, and her feelings post book-release. Claire and I talk about our personal bouts with COVID-19, revealing the physical and mental ef...

New Ventures, low days and the Power of Gratitude

From the depths of self-reflection to the height of imagination, I recount my recent struggles and triumphs in this episode.  An in-water photography exhibition, my new book "Within Hebridean Seas," and the upcoming Creative Light Festival in Scotland. Plus, I've got some exciting news on an offer from Creative Haven to help you find your voice.  On location on the Isle of Hoy, I talk about  insights from Deepak Chopra , helping us to focus on our purposes, passions, and gratitude. A few ...

To create freely and from the heart - look inward

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, aut...

Embracing Solitude: An Exploration of Creativity and Photography with Sebastian Wehrle

 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 ...

Kj Nasrul; Tapping into Your True Creative Essence with Self-Awareness and Compassion

 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-este...

Nurturing the Mind and Soul: Retreat Experience with Sean Tucker in Italy

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 nu...

Dutch Beaches to Italian Retreats: Personal Growth Adventures

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 spe...

Secrets of creative poeple: Dutch Beaches to Italian Retreats

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 spe...

Embracing Vulnerability: Unleashing Creativity and Conquering Fears with Lesley Lintott

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 prot...

Quiet Moments; Give yourself permission to take time out and see what happens.

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.  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Join my online Creative Haven community : https://crea...

Wendy Bagnall - a time for reflection

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 ...

Quiet Moments - letting go in order to create

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 b...

Exploring Self Belief with Christina Golian

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 f...

Stonescapes inspired by Caithness with Lisa Poulsen

Lisa Poulsen creates beautiful digital landscapes using photographs of Caithness Stones from her studio by the sea in Thurso, in the far North of Scotland. Join Margaret as they chat about her beautiful, individual style of artistry. She describes her process of building upon her chosen landscape template and adding multiple layers in photoshop, producing delicate and wonderful results. Her talent and empathy shines through. She believes the story, the why, behind her work is almost as im...

The long Journey home to Harris

Listen to Margaret's inspirational and moving description of  her long journey home to Harris. Creating a home as a single parent for her 2 young boys was the start of her 20 year struggle to get to where she is today and she expresses her emotions beautifully. She persevered, working tirelessly to provide a stable family life whilst following her own belief in her ability to develop her business through creativity. Sign up to her newsletter to hear about new retreats and future development...

5 minutes of creativity a day keeps the doctor away

Margaret catches up with Carien Borst, an artist who lives and works in the Netherlands. She chats about how she struggled with creating a business while maintaining her art's authenticity.  A flow state (being in the moment and creating freely, forgetting everything around you) was hard to achieve during this period. Carien explains that art is like a muscle you can train. You can create conditions that may help pave the way for a flow state . For instance, you can take time, go to a stud...

Kaisa Siren: a deeper look into ICM photography

Kaisa Siren is a photojournalist, gallery owner and nature photographer, known for her mastery of colour in her photographs, whilst capturing the wilderness of Lapland. She chats with Margaret about the concepts and ideas behind her  ICM photography. In contrast to the documentary-type work of her day job, Kaisa finds her passion for colourful ICM fascinating and liberating - beautiful work which is almost fully abstract. Kaisa shares some childhood memories which have unconsciously shaped ...

Thoughts on gratitude

Margaret shares her own thoughts on gratitude in the episode after the monthly theme in Creative Haven was gratitude in December. To find details of joining Creative Haven please go to https://creative-haven.newzenler.com To find details of the Creative light Festival go to https://creative-light.co.uk Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: https://www.insta...

Simplyfying life to make room for creativity and time with loved ones - with Maria Murray

Maria Murray is a multi-talented and passionate artist who uses whatever media is appropriate to create the image she wants to produce.  Based in the beautiful village of North Waltham, she is described as a nature-obsessed, flower-loving, story telling artist.  She explains her deep understanding of the why behind her work - a blend of a love of gardening coming from covid and a deep and long interest in relationships leading to the creation of her flower scanography . As she chats with M...

Bill Ward on editing styles and the Creative light festival 2023

Bill Ward is a photographer and actor living in Bristol, specialising in creative landscape photography. His photography is mainly project based and he has a strong leaning towards water and enjoys creativity using abstract, ICM and multiple exposure.  Margaret welcomes back Bill to the first episode of her 2023 podcasts.  Always highly entertaining, he describes how he manages his busy life, whilst Margaret explains how, with her house up for sale and a move to Harris imminent, her life is...

Be kind - A New Years message

Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Join my online Creative Haven community : https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

How to navigate a busy, creative life with Mali Davies

Mali Davies is a talented photographer, YouTube filmmaker, podcaster and graphic designer. Despite a love of photography from the age of 6, he explains how he felt pushed into the commercial world of graphic design as it's difficult to earn a living as an abstract artist. It took him many years to realise that photography was the one thing he really wanted to do. His photography picked up about 10 years ago when landscape photography began to surface and feels this grew from YouTube channe...

Your downtime can be your most productive time

Your downtime can be your most productive time

Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Join my online Creative Haven community : https://creative-haven.newzenler.com