As the Squad For Change Coordinator, I recently organized a unique expressive art therapy session at the Mann Ka Tilak, our old age home. Collaborating with expressive art therapists, Megha and Taru, certified by UNESCO-CID, the session became a beautiful blend of emotions, memories, and stories.
The session began with a simple yet powerful invitation from Megha, asking each resident to introduce themselves by not only stating their name but also by singing a song that resonated with their life journey. The room buzzed with melodies and diverse experiences; some sang folk tunes that carried the essence of their roots, while others chose timeless classics that held cherished memories, creating a positive atmosphere of togetherness, memories, and dreams. The atmosphere became charged with positivity and a sense of togetherness as residents actively participated. Following the musical start, Megha guided residents to explore their thoughts visually with closed eyes. Given art supplies in hand, they were asked to draw whatever images surfaced in their minds. The result was a series of drawings reflecting their inner worlds. The responses were overwhelming, unfolding the stories of resilience, love, and moments frozen in time.
The expressive art therapy session became a journey of self-discovery for the elderly participants, as they rediscovered feelings that had been buried for a long time. Megha’s empathetic approach provided a safe space for them to express themselves freely, fostering a sense of catharsis and connection.
As the session concluded, residents left colorful handprints on a chart paper, symbolizing unity and everlasting togetherness. It was a powerful representation of shared experiences. Taru led a special story session; each resident of the old age home added a piece to our collective story, turning it into a mix of laughter, memories, and a strong sense of togetherness.We didn’t just stick to art; we used songs, photos, and personal stories to connect generations. The room felt alive with joy, stories, and a deep connection among us all.
The session became more than just therapy; it turned into a celebration of life, strength, and the beauty of shared experiences.As we ended, the room was filled with a warm feeling that stayed with us. We sang songs, took pictures, and shared our journeys. The older folks thanked us for letting them reconnect with themselves and for sharing their life stories with us.
I’m grateful to Megha and Taru for facilitating this session at our old age home, and turning it into a beautiful celebration. Thank you for your empathy and creative touch. A heartfelt thank you to Wishes and Blessings for providing us with the opportunity to make this happen. Our experience wasn’t solely about art; it was about creating a space where stories could be told, memories shared, and the timeless spirit of the elderly could shine.