Civitella is a life-changing, enriching experience that encourages creativity through a loose structure of free time punctuated by events, meals, presentations, and excursions. The serene atmosphere inspired deep reflection and allowed me to write what was most urgent to me, and the gift of time allowed me to tackle larger projects that required emotional bravery. Because Civitella is a place that is located at the vortex of time and no-time, I felt suspended in a safe place that allowed me to explore emotionally daunting subjects that I needed to confront for my art, and for myself.