Pas it allong!
Today in therapy, everyone works on a self-chosen theme. They have written this in the corner on their paper and, with oil pastel, an abstract drawing is made within that theme.
What they don’t know, however, is that after 10 minutes they have to pass their drawing to the person sitting next to them and can work on someone else’s drawing for a certain period of time.
Phew, that’s scary!
I am now giving my drawing to someone else. Thoughts run through their heads: What if they screw up the drawing, what if they don’t understand what I started, what if…
And on the other hand, fear because they have to continue working in someone else’s drawing. Numerous thoughts: what if I screw up, what if I add something that the other person doesn’t like at all, what if…what if…
Yet, they go to work and as they do so and the drawings pass through the whole group, they are very aware of the trust they give the other and the trust the other has in them. When the drawing has been around the circle, it returns to the person who started it. He now has the possibility to change things, remove things, add things and finish the drawing completely according to his idea.
The results?
Surprising! I think it’s gorgeous, never expected it, but I’m so happy with the additions of the others.
In the debriefing, others also get the chance to tell about what they added and what thought or feeling is behind it.
They are suddenly very aware of the influence they can have in someone else’s life. And to what extent they allow someone else’s interpretation into their lives. It has provided food for thought!
How would you like to pass on a drawing you started to someone else?