The ‘Me Tree’

This exercise could be both self-study exercise and exercise with guidance.

• Paper and pencil
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Decorative material

Collect paper, pencils and other decorative material to use.

15-30 minutes.

The trainer creates opportunities for sharing and discussion while doing this activity with a group. Although participants do not have to share in detail, sharing their self-reflections out loud reinforce their feelings about those reflections and create space to discover similarities, learn about their differences, and celebrate what makes them unique. This exercise could be both self-study exercise and exercise with guidance.

Art allows us to express ourselves in ways that words cannot. When we tap into our creative brains, we can uncover feelings and thoughts that we were unable to see. This exercise invites individuals to explore how they view themselves, what makes them unique, and how that image fits into the world around them.

References

• Pat B. Allen, Art Is a Way of Knowing: A Guide to Self-Knowledge and Spiritual Fulfilment through Creativity, Shambhala, 1995
• Shaun McNiff, Art Heals: How Creativity Cures the Soul, Shambhala, 2004
• Barbara Ganim,  Art and Healing: Using Expressive Art to Heal Your Body, Mind, and Spirit, Echo Point Books & Media, 2013

References

Art and Healing : Using Expressive Art to Heal Your Body, Mind, and Spirit (Barbara Ganim, 2013), Echo Point Books & Media

Through this method/action, these benefits are achieved:

• Participants explore how they view themselves, what makes them unique
• Participants gain confidence in themselves
• Participants identify the people and communities that surround and support them.

Step 1

Trace your hand on a piece of paper leaving the fingertips open to draw longer branches.

Step 2

Draw your branches from your fingertips leaving room for lots of leaves.

Step 3

Draw as many leaves as you want (make sure to make them large enough to write things or draw inside!)

Step 4

Draw some soil on the bottom of your page leaving room between the bottom of your paper and the top of the soil for writing or drawing!

Step 5

Each element of the tree represents a different area of reflection. Doodle, draw or write in each of the sections your reflections.

• Tree trunk and branches: “I am grateful for…” - Beginning at the bottom of the tree and working your way up through the branches, reflect on the places, things or experiences that you are grateful for (e.g., my family, friends, etc.)
• Leaves: “I am…”, “I love…” - Reflect on the many things that make you – YOU! They could be adjectives (funny, smart, kind, helpful, good friend etc.) or your favourite hobbies and passions (painting, dancing, music, etc.)
• Soil: “I am supported by…” - Think of the people and communities that support you to grow strong and kind.

Eleni Papadopoulou

Eleni Papadopoulou is a Painter, Teacher of Visual Arts & Drama Artist, Designer-Animator of Mixed Art Programs with many years of experience, diverse work of art and recognized teaching ability. She has studied Technologist-Radiologist, Painting, Ceramics and Greek Culture, writes and narrates fairy tales, illustrates books, design and constructs sets & objects for theatrical performances, while she is currently writing her dissertation at postgraduate program "Dramatic Art and Performing Arts in Education and in lifelong learning "of the School of Fine Arts of the University of Peloponnese.

Visual Arts

Greek