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Welp, as my time comes to a close here in Northern Ireland all I can really say is that this month has been completely different than anything I could’ve anticipated, but I’m so glad to have had the opportunity! We spent this past week completing a program called “Towards Understanding and Healing” (TUH), which is a mediation training program that was created right here in NI. It is used for conflict resolution, mediation, and dialogue between the two opposing sides of the Troubles to move forward from the trauma and suffering that each one experienced for decades. Interestingly, the program can really be applied to any situation in which healing is the focus. As a result, this week was a very difficult one for the class and myself as well.
We first learned about Storytelling and spent the first couple of days creating a safe, positive environment for sharing our own life stories. The week evolved into an extended therapy session full of personal reflection and even more importantly, personal growth and development. It was the first opportunity that I personally have had to take a step back from my life and unpack the events, attitudes, and otherwise that have really made me who I am. It was a very emotional week to say the least, but it is one that I will NEVER forget. I feel as if I have learned more about myself than ever and that I am really growing into the person I am and want to be.
There were a variety of activities that we engaged in to foster this inner reflection and personal healing, but there are two that stuck out to me in particular. The first of which involved the construction of a bead bracelet. We were asked to pick beads that represented people, events, things, or whatever that we felt shaped us into the people we have become. My bracelet ended up telling the story of my personal development primarily since about 16 until currently, and included my hopes for the future (A couple pictures to follow!). Some others’ focused on accomplishments, milestones, and/or hardships and struggles. Talk about a moving session….I could not believe some of the stories people told about their lives - WOW. The other activity we did was bring in an object of great importance and place it on a table in the middle of the group after explaining its significance. I brought my blackbook with all my artwork, sketches, etc., which also contained a photograph of Andrea. I talked about my blackbook acts as a source of therapy and self-expression for me and how the picture of Andrea was a daily reminder of how important she is in my life and how great of a role she has played in my self-discovery and happiness :] We then ended the session by taking our objects back and replacing them with a candle that represented whatever we wanted. Many people said their candle represented new chapters in life, or healing, or personal growth and reconciliation, or for loved ones lost, and so forth. The entire experience was very important to me and definitely transformative, yet very unexpected!
In my last couple days here I am working on a massive paper and presentation with my group members Sean and Eric, so that will be taking the rest of the time here. The only other thing that I get to do still other than schoolwork is a “Culture Night” on Wednesday before we leave so perhaps there will be another entry to follow?!
Either way, J-term 2012 in Northern Ireland has been an absolutely UNFORGETTABLE time for me and my own growth as a person. I’m excited to move forward and feel to an extent that I’m starting a new chapter of my life!
