Last Sunday John and I attended a workshop run by my friend Veda. Veda is currently pursuing a masters degree in expressive arts therapy and occasionally runs workshops for both children and adults. The workshops aim to "promote the freedom of expression through artistic modalities" and strengthen the idea that "by identifying where one stands in life through self expression, one can objectify their stance and work towards betterment or progress." The workshop was a little more than 5 hours and full of interesting activities that centered around movement, drawing, language, and relationships. The workshop was a joy for several reasons, but mostly because it provided a safe environment to participate in- everyone was there for the same reason, and everyone at least tried to withhold judgement and set hang-ups aside. We were free to be as silly and open as we would allow ourselves.
One activity, in particular, I enjoyed the most, and it centered around our relationships with our families- whatever the word "family" might mean to each individual. Veda dumped out several bags of small toys, figurines, flowers, leaves, clay, tissue paper, etc., and told us all to gather up whatever we wanted and then to create a representation of our families with it- not to think too much about it or try to analyze before creating, but just to play with the different materials until we created something that related to our idea of family. This is what I came up with:
Unfortunately, it's hard to see, but I'll try to explain:
The purple mass on the left represents Kentucky where most of my immediate family is, or at least where I consider everyone to be in the sense of "home." The purple mass on the right is wherever I am that isn't Kentucky- here crudely represented as a hot air balloon. Standing in the hot air balloon is a small female figurine that is me and to my left, a bull which represents John, as we are currently together physically, in India, and also in the grander sense, emotionally, right now in life. On the purple KY mass is a figure for each of my 4 parents and 5 siblings, all in a circle facing each other because they are all interconnected and apart of each others' lives. In the family circle there is a big horse, a little horse, a turkey, a mallard, a goose, a piglet, a big dog, a small dog, and a donkey. Now I will leave it to question who in my wonderful family was assigned to which animal- it is important to note, however, that I was working with the animals (all farm, of course) which I just happened to grab at the start of the exercise, so too much should not be read into it! (Also it should be noted that, of course, my family extends far beyond these main players to all of my extended family and friends, whom I am eternally grateful for- there were only so many farm animals!) The yellow flowers that are between John and I on the ballon and in the family circle represent the friendship amongst all of us; I felt that was particularly important to depict because I have an uncommonly fortunate circumstance in which I can say there is great friendship that extends across the usual boundaries in my family. The silver tinsel that is strewn in an arc between the two masses represents the technology that allows me to remain close and connected with my family even though at times I feel very far away. If it weren't for those modern amenities, I'm not sure how easily or comfortably I could live my life with the freedom of travel and distance. The red flower and silly clay heart are simply the love that exists and which I am eternally grateful for.
I realize all of this might be a bit sentimental for many of those who know me well (cue silly clay heart) but I really enjoyed this activity and wanted to share it with those involved without their knowledge. It occurred to me after the workshop that the reason I enjoyed this activity in particular so much was because it allowed me to reflect on my family in a joyful, creative, and seemingly-inconsequential way; it was simply fun play that wasn't given too much thought, and because I miss my family and friends (of course) it was a pleasure to unexpectedly have that opportunity and to realized the deeper implications afterwards (all of which were very positive).
So thanks to my family and the friends who are very much my family. I had a wonderful moment thinking of you and it brought me great joy. I miss and love you all very much!
One activity, in particular, I enjoyed the most, and it centered around our relationships with our families- whatever the word "family" might mean to each individual. Veda dumped out several bags of small toys, figurines, flowers, leaves, clay, tissue paper, etc., and told us all to gather up whatever we wanted and then to create a representation of our families with it- not to think too much about it or try to analyze before creating, but just to play with the different materials until we created something that related to our idea of family. This is what I came up with:
The purple mass on the left represents Kentucky where most of my immediate family is, or at least where I consider everyone to be in the sense of "home." The purple mass on the right is wherever I am that isn't Kentucky- here crudely represented as a hot air balloon. Standing in the hot air balloon is a small female figurine that is me and to my left, a bull which represents John, as we are currently together physically, in India, and also in the grander sense, emotionally, right now in life. On the purple KY mass is a figure for each of my 4 parents and 5 siblings, all in a circle facing each other because they are all interconnected and apart of each others' lives. In the family circle there is a big horse, a little horse, a turkey, a mallard, a goose, a piglet, a big dog, a small dog, and a donkey. Now I will leave it to question who in my wonderful family was assigned to which animal- it is important to note, however, that I was working with the animals (all farm, of course) which I just happened to grab at the start of the exercise, so too much should not be read into it! (Also it should be noted that, of course, my family extends far beyond these main players to all of my extended family and friends, whom I am eternally grateful for- there were only so many farm animals!) The yellow flowers that are between John and I on the ballon and in the family circle represent the friendship amongst all of us; I felt that was particularly important to depict because I have an uncommonly fortunate circumstance in which I can say there is great friendship that extends across the usual boundaries in my family. The silver tinsel that is strewn in an arc between the two masses represents the technology that allows me to remain close and connected with my family even though at times I feel very far away. If it weren't for those modern amenities, I'm not sure how easily or comfortably I could live my life with the freedom of travel and distance. The red flower and silly clay heart are simply the love that exists and which I am eternally grateful for.
I realize all of this might be a bit sentimental for many of those who know me well (cue silly clay heart) but I really enjoyed this activity and wanted to share it with those involved without their knowledge. It occurred to me after the workshop that the reason I enjoyed this activity in particular so much was because it allowed me to reflect on my family in a joyful, creative, and seemingly-inconsequential way; it was simply fun play that wasn't given too much thought, and because I miss my family and friends (of course) it was a pleasure to unexpectedly have that opportunity and to realized the deeper implications afterwards (all of which were very positive).
So thanks to my family and the friends who are very much my family. I had a wonderful moment thinking of you and it brought me great joy. I miss and love you all very much!
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