Week Ending 26th November
Mindfulness-Joy Silk-Painting Workshop November 26th 2024
My whole focus at this time is to hold my Mindfulness-Joy Silk-Painting workshops each month. These workshops are designed to change the world, to make our world just a little bit more peaceful and happy
The workshop last month, in October, was fully booked, but only 5 of the 15 people who had reserved places came. We enjoyed ourselves and had a lovely time, but I was not happy. I want my workshops to be powerful as well as peaceful, to touch and empower as many people as possible.
I believe that our world is a reflection of the people in it. We are all part of each other. If we as individuals are suffering from toxic stress we tend to be fearful, irritable and angry. This will lead to conflict in the wider world. We see this only too clearly in the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar and other parts of the world. The only thing I can do to change this, to reduce conflict and bring more inner peace and happiness, is share what I know is effective in reducing stress, with my workshops.
I have designed my workshops with activities which are effective in reducing stress and building resilience. We get an average of a 38% reduction in self-assessed stress recorded before and afterwards. Everyone knows that toxic stress causes both mental and physical illness but there are few solutions on offer. My workshops work. That is why Iike to have a ‘full house.’
The November workshop was, like the October one, also fully booked but I did not want to see the same thing happen as in October. Many people told me that the ‘no shows’ were because my workshops are offered free. They advised me to charge something or at least ask for a refundable deposit. But the whole reason why I made them free, when the war started in Ukraine was to make them available to those who most needed them at this time, the refugees. I changed my company to a Community Interest Company and I focus on serving refugees and other vulnerable groups. If money were to come into the booking process it might well increase stress and deter those who might benefit most from coming!
I decided to try a different strategy. I expanded the number of free places on the workshop to 24, although I only have space and silk-painting materials for 15. At the same time I made it clear that this registration must be confirmed in the week before the workshop. Once 15 people had been confirmed I would offer the others a place in the next workshop.
This system worked well, and I extended the maximum number by three, because there were several children coming, three of whom were aged 4 or 5. Since they could share materials with their mothers, I was able to extend the places I could offer to 18. I have never had this number of participants before. As people arrived I had to provide more chairs and I am still unsure as to the actual number of those who took part. I think it was between 18 and 20 as a couple of people arrived quite late. (the spare chair on front right is reserved for one of these.)
We begin with refreshments, but as we were already getting behind with the time and there were so many people, I skipped our usual activity of introductions and once everyone had completed the initial questions on their Feedback Form, including their current level of stress, I went straight into an introduction to Mindfulness and a reflection on where we find strength in difficult times.
Each person draws a little flower and then places it next to whatever they view as a source of inner strength. If they don’t see something on the shrine that they identify with, they can draw something and place their flower next to this drawing. This is often ‘family’ or the flag of Ukraine.
We usually follow this ‘schoolroom’ activity with an introduction to Forest Bathing. Then everyone goes outside with drawing paper and a soft pencil. They look for something in the garden which they find beautiful or interesting. They can draw or describe what they choose – or just look at it closely so that we can share what we have seen and our reflections on it afterwards – and put the drawings on the wall as a gallery.
On this occasion it was raining quite heavily, cold and dark outside, so I explained that one of the most powerful strategies for reducing stress is to spend time in nature, especially in a wooded environment. We might not be able to go outside but we could use our memory and imagination. I gave out the drawing paper and pencils and invited everyone to draw some aspect of nature which they find peaceful or inspiring. It might be as simple as a leaf or a tree – or a drawing of a place, real or imaginary, where they would love to sit and soak in the atmosphere. I will share some of the results at the end, when I have scanned or photographed them. Many were really beautiful.
This reminds me of a poem which links some of the inner qualities we need with aspects of nature – we can look at these subjects directly, but if we are not able to do that, then we can just approach them in our imagination. That’s what we were doing in the workshop, but choosing our own subjects.
Humility you need?
Then look at the dewdrops
Immensity you need?
Then look at the blue-vast ocean,
Purity you need?
Then look at the candle flame.
Sincerity you need?
Then look at the child.
Duty you need?
Then look at the moon.
Power you need?
Then look at the sun.
Light you need?
Then look at your heart.
Delight you need?
Then sit at God’s Feet.
Sri Chinmoy
Yesterday I was a crying dream, no 40, 1975
While this activity is in process, my Team and I clear the table and replace the ‘Welcome’ tablecloths for waterproof ones, ready for silk-painting.
Because of the numbers and the way time was passing, we didn’t have time to share the drawings and reflections. Instead we moved onto an exploration of the meaning of colours. We returned to our seats around the table and took part in an activity which explores the way that different colours are associated with different qualities and values.
The table is ready for silk-painting with a waterproof covering. Each person has a silk-paint mat.
Next I demonstrated the silk-painting process and the real fun began. There was no time for me to stop and take photos or talk to anyone. With so many people I was simply absorbed in ensuring that everyone had what they needed to create their own beautiful hand-painted silk scarf.
At one point there were long queues to the three microwave ovens, but when it came to ironing, people were able to rest with a cushion and enjoy the music and then take turns as an ‘ironing-station’ became available. All the scarves created were unique and absolutely beautiful
Once the silk is painted, it is steamed in a microwave oven for three and a half minutes. Then it is washed in warm water with some baby-shampoo, rinsed in water with conditioner and then rinsed in clear water. Then it is hung to drip and begin to dry. Once the scarves had stopped dripping, then they could be ironed.
When their silk scarves are drying, everyone chooses a cushion or blanket and relaxes while my cellist plays beautiful live music.
Because of the numbers present, there wasn’t space for any of the adults to curl up on the carpet to relax. They could only sit as comfortably as possible while enjoying the music, but the children had a lot of fun with the cushions.
At one point a child accidentally brushed against the cellist’s bow-arm, which was more than disconcerting for him, but he continued without any hesitation. ANgel is a superb cellist and has supported my workshops since I began holding them, as the lockdown eased in 2021, with humour, patience and phenomenal musicianship. We are indeed blessed to be able to enjoy his genius..
The following video is from this stage of the workshop in October when we had just five people in the workshop and everyone could relax with cushions on the carpet and I was able to take a short video.
While ANgel was playing, my Team and I were able to clear away all the silk-painting materials and set out our Vegetarian Feast. Some of the participants asked to help with this.
With so many people present, I knew that some would need to leave before others and it would be impossible to conclude in the usual way, after the meal, sitting in a circle on the carpets for a closing visualisation which brings everyone together, reflecting on three important ‘divine qualities’ and feeling the peace – so I brought this into the gathering almost like saying ‘Grace’ before the meal. Before we started to eat, we had a minute of silence and I invited everyone to reflect on three qualities which are central to my workshops and my overall philosophy of life. These are –
Oneness
Gratitude and
Joy.
We really are all part of each other and the atmosphere we had created together in the workshop by this time was genuinely peaceful and joyful. There was a real sense of community and love.
Reflection on Applied Mindfulness
In addition to teaching an introduction to Mindfulness during the workshop, I was also practising mindfulness in a strong way, which enabled me to stay cheerful and in the moment, despite some tricky developments.
The first unexpected challenge was that on the Saturday I had a stall at a local Wellbeing Fair, followed by a Coaching Zoom. That meant I couldn’t go to get the shopping for the Vegetarian Feast until after 9pm and I didn’t finish until the supermarket was closing at 11pm.
This meant I was too tired to unload the food and load the car up with the first of three loads of materials required for the workshop. I like to take that first load, the night before, but it had to wait for morning. it was nearly 10am by the time I was loaded up and ready with the first load. On the way back, I returned to the Supermarket to get the bread rolls as they had none left on the Saturday evening. That added to the delay.
My son had phoned first thing to say that the frost was so thick that when he set out at 5am to cycle to the station, his bike was slipping and sliding in a very dangerous way, so he had to go home and wait for the bus-service to start. That meant abandoning the coach he had booked on and getting a later one which meant he would arrive after my workshop started, and would be unable to help me set up.
As a result it was impossible to take all three loads and quite a challenge even to have the second load to the Hall by 1.30 when we have access to our room. There are roadworks at an island over a railway bridge and the resulting congestion is very slow.
My son phoned to say that my translator had been trying to get a message to me but I had not been answering the phone. That’s because I left it charging while I was loading the car and I had not had time to check for any messages. It transpired that she had an unexpected emergency and couldn’t come at all. She usually meets me at the Hall at 2pm – so now I was without two Team members!
There is one other Team Member who was coming to help with the Set Up. He didn’t phone or text until evening. It transpired that he had been injured in a bike accident and was unable to come. (I still have to find out how he is.) One way or another I was on my own.
It would have been very easy to panic or get stressed as a result of these setbacks, but I was able to stay cheerful and just focus on the task in hand. I knew it would be impossible to be ready before people began to arrive but I was able to lay the tarpaulins that protect the floor and the carpets which cover the tarpaulins in the first 20 minutes, then set up the trestle tables and start with setting out the chairs before the first people arrived. I even had the refreshment table ready.
The first three ladies to arrive kindly offered to help. They filled the tea-urn and boiled kettles of water in the little kitchen, while the tea urn water was heating, so that as more people arrived they could offer them a choice of hot and cold drinks plus the biscuits which I always get for that ‘Welcome’ part of the workshop. They laid the table-cloths on tables and set out more chairs as required. Meanwhile ANgel my cellist arrived (I had phoned him when I realised my son wouldn’t be able to help in setting up and he came as swiftly as he could.) He has been working with me since I started these events after the lockdown in 2021, so ‘knows the ropes’ well.
As soon as the bare essentials were in place, I started the programme. We were half an hour late and I had not even changed into the special outfit I usually wear for my workshops. Luckily I was wearing a very nice silk sari – one which I had chosen to wear on Saturday for the Wellness Fair, so at least I was respectable.
My years of mindfulness and meditation practise meant that I did not get flustered or anxious. I was able to stay in my heart of oneness and stay in the moment, managing each challenge as it came along. Then, as soon as we were organised, everyone had a seat at the table and some kind of refreshment, I moved straight into the programme.
As soon as my son arrived, he took my car home to collect all the food – the third load – and I set up trestle-tables in the corridor near the back entrance to the church, close but out of our way, where he could begin to prepare the food for our concluding Vegetarian Feast. In the past a dear friend has come to my house early in the morning of my Workshop Days and has prepared all the dishes there. We cover them with cling-film and bring them all ready to put on the table, but she’s not been well this year, so my son has taken on this roll, preparing the food while the workshop is ‘in session.’ It is intense and I would struggle without him. What a blessing to have someone in my life who feels such oneness that they will support me in this way.
I feel such a deep gratitude to each and every member of my Team – my son, ANgel the cellist, Olga my translator and Pir who usually helps me with the ‘heavy lifting’ especially in setting up and taking down. I also feel massive gratitude to each and every individual and family who comes to my workshops and takes part in them. Without their inspiration and engagement, there would be no workshops. I feel that they are a microcosm of what the world can be – and I believe will be one day, when ‘the power of love replaces the love of power’ and we all genuinely feel this sense of oneness.
As a stress-expert I know only too well that one of the bitterest and most serious sources of stress is a feeling of helplessness, and in the face of all the challenges we are facing at this time, with the ‘long shadow of covid,’ the ‘cost of living crisis’ and all the international conflict we are seeing, I would feel distraught if I were unable to take any outer action to ‘make a difference.’ Indeed that was my experience when the war started in Ukraine. I was so distressed I couldn’t sleep. My whole body and mind were ‘on fire’ with stress and distress. I felt so helpless because all my time and money were tied up with the workshops which I had set up after covid. I wanted to jump in my car and go there, especially to scoop up the non-white refugees who were being beaten up by both Polish and other border police and denied entry, just as the white refugees were being welcomed with kindness and sympathy. My emotions were on fire. I could not ignore the suffering.
Before the pandemic I was already working in health and wellbeing. I gave shorter, smaller Meditative Silk-Painting workshops in a local Community Centre and my ‘best’ programme, called ‘The Seven Steps to Happiness’ was spread over two or three days as a retreat, delivered from my house, with my son ‘roped in’ to do the catering. Everyone enjoyed these events, and they did bring great results, but they were very ‘low key.’ As lockdown began to ease, I felt that the need was more urgent. So many people were feeling isolated. Positive social contact is one of our primal needs. We are a Tribal Species, not designed to be isolated and alone. Zoom has its uses, but face to face, live events hold far more power for engagement and healing.
The lockdown had caused a steep rise in stress and depression. I wanted to create a one-day or half-day ‘mini-retreat’ workshop which would combine some of the best and most effective stress-reducing strategies from my Seven-Steps to Happiness programme – and hold these at a venue which would accommodate more people. The hall I found in Kew, not too far from my home, is perfect because the end wall is glass, so it brings in lots of light, plus it opens onto a lovely garden with trees – ideal for an introduction to Forest Bathing. Just stepping into the room boosts my own inner happiness! I loved holding my workshops there.
But when the war started in Ukraine I felt a burning need to take action to help refugees and I was helpless. Then I had a ‘lightbulb moment.’ From now on, my workshops would be my action in solidarity with Ukraine and refugees worldwide. From now on the workshops would be free – and I would ask participants simply to contribute to refugee charities instead of paying me. That was in February 2022. By May we had our first refugee participants (two of whom were sharing my home.) In June the majority of participants were Ukrainian refugees and that continues to be the ‘corner of the world’ which I am honoured to serve. I look forward to expanding my work to other refugee communities and groups who suffer from high stress-levels and would like to come to this kind of event. I give the shorter Mindfulness-Silk-Painting workshops to adults with learning difficulties and homeless people. I am keen to work with women survivors of domestic violence as well as refugees. But as someone with a deep faith and strong spiritual life, I know I am not the boss. It is my ‘job’ to be of service to whomever I am ‘given.’
It’s vitally important that we work on our own inner peace and happiness, with our own daily discipline of prayer and meditation, our own time spent in nature and with positive people, freeing ourselves from stress and getting our own lives into balance. Without that, we are of no use to anyone, but we really are part of each other, and I simply cannot ignore the suffering of others. I have to ‘do something’ to take some kind of action, to touch the hearts and lives of others in a positive way. It is an absolute honour and privilege to be able to do this, at this time, for just a few of the Ukrainian refugees, through my Mindfulness-Joy Silk-Painting workshops. We can’t change the world on our own but if we all do something, if we all do what we can, then the world will be transformed.
It gives me a great sense of happiness and satisfaction and to feel I really am able to ‘fulfil my purpose’ by holding these workshops and I thank each and every one of those who come for giving me this blessingful, heart-deep opportunity to share what I know (about mindfulness and stress-reduction) and my heart’s love and oneness with them.
The School-Room (below)
Now to choose a concluding poem or inspiring text about creativity and mindfulness
Question: What do spirituality and art have in common?Sri Chinmoy: Spirituality and art always go together to the same Goal. You can say spirituality is the road which leads to the destination, and art is a traveller walking along the road. If the road reaches the Goal without a traveller, then the road is not satisfied. Because it has not carried anybody, because nobody has walked along it, the road feels useless. Again, if there is no road, how will the traveller reach his destination?
Art is the earth-traveller, the pilgrim, and spirituality is the road. When both reach their common destination, both feel that they are satisfied. Both art and spirituality have one Goal, and that Goal is supreme Joy, supreme Delight.
Sri Chinmoy
Art’s life and the soul’s light, 1974
It was a deeply satisfying day and everyone enjoyed the workshop. I’ve not yet calculated the average stress reduction from the Feedback /forms but I will add that later. I have only one word for Sunday’s Workshop, – Gratitude