Taste of Art therapy

During the two-day workshop, "Taste of Art Therapy" (Introduction to Art Therapy Profession) on August 26-27, 2022, by IPATT, I created a watercolor work alongside approximately 10 other students. Our instructor guided us through a few art projects, and we then presented and discussed our feelings. Prior to the session, NJ requested that we bring headphones. We began by selecting a song we enjoyed and then drew on A3 paper with watercolors while listening to the music. For me, this exercise was a form of attention training for both my ear and hand. I chose to listen to a Buddhism chanting song, Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, which brought to mind the scene of Deer Park at Sarnath.

In my opinion, the most important part of the process was the discussion. While presenting my work, NJ asked several insightful questions, such as why I drew many deer, what my feelings were when I visited the park in February 2023, how I would feel if I were sitting there, and why I left the paper on the left side empty. This small lesson taught me that the art therapy process can bring insight through discussion.

"When others give their views, if you open your heart wide enough, you can gain self awareness and wisdom."