On July 3, aikyam space, in collaboration with Mind Empowered, hosted an art therapy session led by Cristelle Hart Singh from the NGO, Dil Se. It was an opportunity to explore our emotions creatively, and the experience was both introspective and deeply connecting.
Building Our Emotional House
We began with a simple exercise: drawing a house with four floors. Each floor represented different aspects of our emotions. First came the foundation; and predictably, we were to write foundational beliefs/emotions we have. The first floor contained emotions or habits we would like to refrain from. And each consecutive floor contained similar ideas: aspects of yourself that you may have never written down before. As I drew my house, I found myself reflecting deeply on my emotional state. Each floor was challenging in its own unique way, as it forced us to speak out about emotions and beliefs that are usually buried.
The second part of the session was even more revealing. Cristelle asked us to draw the most vivid emotion that emerged from our house drawings. This exercise allowed us to express that emotion tangibly.
For me, the most vivid emotion was a blend of curiosity and anxiety, which I depicted as a swirling vortex of pencil strokes. I peeked at how others expressed their emotions, from bold, vibrant strokes of joy to more muted, intricate designs representing sadness or confusion. Each piece highlighted some emotion that was being let out onto the page, exemplified by the houses we built before.
The Emotional Journey
Throughout the session, emotions surfaced and were explored. There was a sense of vulnerability as we shared our drawings, but also a powerful feeling of connection as we engaged in conversation. There was a palpable understanding among participants, each of us navigating our unique emotional landscapes.
This art therapy session was a reminder of the importance of exploring our emotions. It provided a safe space to delve into feelings we might not usually confront, and offered a creative outlet to understand them in a unique manner. Understanding the importance of these sessions is crucial towards fostering a supportive community where changemakers can thrive emotionally and mentally.
At aikyam space, we are committed to creating such nurturing experiences that help us grow collectively. This session was just the beginning, and we look forward to more such enriching collaborations.
