Participating in the art therapy program organized by Conference of Religious India, Delhi, guided by the insightful Br. Mani Karott, was an immense privilege. Engaging in the soul-healing process of free painting, I embarked on a journey to unearth the hidden pearls within myself. Each day’s activities seamlessly intertwined, leading me into the depths of my own vibrant and intricate inner world. Exploring the significance of colors, symbols, and numbers, I gained a profound understanding of my subconscious self. I was astonished to unravel the true meaning behind a recurring dream that had significantly influenced my life and relationships with others. Moreover, a startling realization of my fear of water surfaced during the course, prompting a deeper introspection into my psyche. The entire experience felt like a sacred and joyful pilgrimage towards self-liberation and inner peace. – Sr. Paska SCN, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
Fifteen enthusiastic women religious, were part of an Art Therapy Workshop organized by Sr Elsa Muttathu and the Team at CRI House, Delhi from October 15th to 21st, 2023. Under the thoughtful direction of Br. Mani Karott, the Art Therapy Workshop was meticulously designed to serve several fundamental objectives. Firstly, it sought to provide a nurturing environment for the participants to explore the profound connection between artistic expression and emotional well-being. Throughout the workshop, they were encouraged to delve into the therapeutic realm of art as a means to explore and process their innermost emotions and experiences.
The journey commenced with a session dedicated to free painting, a process that encouraged participants to unleash their creativity without constraints. As vibrant hues graced the canvases, the participants found themselves delving into the realms of nostalgia, joyously reliving the cherished moments of their childhoods. Through the strokes of their brushes and the melding of colors, they discovered a poignant avenue for reconnecting with their inner child and fostering a renewed sense of vitality and joy.
The workshop also featured an engaging clay work segment, where participants were invited to mold and sculpt their own unique images. As the malleable clay took shape under their deft hands, each individual found a profound sense of empowerment in bringing their inner visions to tangible fruition. This hands-on experience not only served as a form of self-expression but also became a powerful metaphor for the trans-formative power of shaping one’s own narrative and identity.
A particularly poignant session revolved around the creation of individual pottery. Despite receiving uniform instructions, the resulting pots exhibited a mesmerizing array of shapes, sizes, and designs. Through this exercise, participants were reminded of the inherent beauty and diversity that define human existence. Each pot served as a poignant symbol of the uniqueness that resides within every individual, beautifully mirroring the idea that, just as pots are molded uniquely by their creators, every person is a distinctive masterpiece in the eyes of a higher power.
The Art Therapy Workshop at the National CRI House in Delhi served not only as a platform for artistic exploration but also as a trans-formative journey toward self-discovery and emotional healing. Through the medium of art, participants found solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of self-awareness, forging connections that transcended the boundaries of language and culture. Sr Maggie Allesu DHM, describes it as “an incredible journey of uncovering the beautiful layers within me.”
The workshop followed a progressive inner journey, from the child within to the inner self, deep self, shadows and the Cosmic self. Each of these steps in the journey was represented by an artistic symbol. For Sr Sophie Gomes, SJC “the free painting moment was so freeing that I started a joyous journey into my self. As I moved deeper and floated with the colours of the mandala it took me deeper. Then came the door making/painting which helped me understand my shadows and led to a holistic embrace of self.”
“Making my inner shield, was a captivating time for me,” says Sr Sandhya Jees, FCC. We need to keep discovering the inner talents and gifts God has blessed us with. As I counted my qualities one by one and laid them in front of my eyes, I saw myself in a new way. I was astonished. Is this me, I asked with delight. It was truly a time when I learnt about myself in a new way and connected with myself in a different way.”
Mandalas, with their intricate crisscross patterns and vibrant colors, embody the essence of divine life within. Sr. Rose Mary, SJC, expressed that as she delicately colored the mandala, it drew her into the depths of her being. “Peering into the kaleidoscope of hues within the mandala,” she recounted, “I sensed the presence of the radiant divine light. It was then I realized that the illuminating God resides profoundly within, guiding me tenderly in an all-encompassing embrace.”
“The art therapy workshop was trans-formative, making me feel inspired and creative. Exploring the theme of ‘Who am I?’ over a week, I painted my shadow, inner self, shield, and night dreams. It was a soothing experience, nurturing the child within. Crafting a clay pot, I realized how every experience shapes my life. The inner shield reminded me of the protection gifted by God. The mandala taught me that even darkness can nurture, if accepted. I am indeed grateful to therapist Bro. Mani Karott and Sr. Elsa Muttathu, National Secretary, for this colourful journey.” – Sr Panimaya Manohari, FMM
Sr. Seena, CTC found herself embracing her inner child, reveling in moments of carefree play and self-discovery. She underwent a trans-formative process, delving into the depths of her being and forging new connections with the tapestry of life that enveloped her. When prompted to encapsulate their experiences in a single word, the participants’ responses ranged from ‘vibrant’ and ‘energizing’ to ‘connected’ in a fresh way to both themselves and the world around them. However, despite their diverse paths, a common thread emerged: Each individual experienced a profound sense of joy and gratitude as they delved into the depths of their inner selves.
In conclusion, the art therapy workshop served as a catalyst for fostering a deeper understanding of self and a renewed connection with the world. It highlighted the trans-formative power of creative expression in unlocking inner joy and gratitude, demonstrating the profound impact of self-exploration on one’s overall well-being.
Sr Ida, CTC
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