I was invited to observe a three-hour workshop on Effective Communication for a group of ladies who are mothers and teachers of children studying in a school for differently-abled children. These ladies were undergoing training at the school and this workshop was included as part of their training.
The participants were invited to experience a series of activities through which they started to develop a rapport with each other, and in the process, were able to start appreciating themselves. Each person shared a little bit about themselves and their own personal reason for coming to the workshop. It was very inspiring to hear each unique story. Some of the ladies were teachers, who were completely dedicated to the education of the children with special needs. Others were mothers who felt that as mothers, they were the first teachers for their children who were differently-abled. There was a fierce determination to see their children enabled in whatever manner was possible.
Through an activity, the ladies were given an opportunity to examine how they were able to give and receive. It is often observed, that we, as human beings, find it easier to give of ourselves and are reluctant to receive, whether it is a compliment, or a material gift. Can we instead learn to give freely and similarly, take joy in receiving from others? In doing so, we are also able to give the other person the joy of being able to contribute to us. Thus we forge a connection with each other. When we are thus connected, we develop a sensitive understanding of each other and are able to be available to each other when the occasion arises.
Further activities introduced to the participants the ideas of appreciating oneself. For it is when we learn to appreciate ourselves, that we are able to appreciate others. We need to be kind to ourselves and find it possible to be kind to others. Empathy develops when we can appreciate what the other person is going through. Every day, we have a choice. Are we going to meet the day with a positive attitude? As mothers and teachers, the ladies already brought their dedication and positive attitudes as they went about their day.
There were a couple of drama activities which called for teamwork, understanding and creativity. Through the activity, the participants had to collaborate on an idea and express it. They were able to create a context, establish boundaries within which they had to perform and communicate the ideas through a tableau. This enabled them to understand how they worked together as part of a team effort.
The activities were based on ‘Creative Action Methods’ which employs the body, mind and soul in activities and role-playing to explore spontaneity and creativity of the members in a group setting. Through these fun activities, the participants experienced their own playfulness and got in touch with their ability to be creative and collaborate with each other even though they were all just meeting each other for the first time.
The session ended on a fun note with music and dancing. Participants commented after the session ended that it had been very energizing and helped them see what unique strengths and abilities they possessed which helped them cope with their challenges. In addition to dealing with the normal issues that everyone deals with, these ladies also had to deal with children who had their own set of major challenges. They said that they could face their challenges with a renewed sense of optimism in order to help the children learn and grow.
What was truly remarkable to me was the visible change in each participant between when they walked in to the workshop and when it ended just three hours later. The enthusiasm and joy that they each experienced at the end of the session was palpable. It was very powerful to see what was possible in just three hours of activities using ‘Creative Action Methods’.
