TREE OF LIFE - Narrative Arts Introduction

We all hold stories – stories that bring with them ideas about us, about who we are and what we are able to do. Sometimes these stories can keep us safe or bring us joy, and at other times, they limit our imagination, keep us stuck and small and stop us exploring all the possibilities of who we are and can be. When we re-examine our stories, creatively, reflectively and in a supportive, expansive space, we can find new ways to tell ourselves into being, and new ways of living more aligned with our values.

In this 2-hour introductory workshop, Clare will introduce you to Narrative Arts – using creative arts to discover, express and retell your life story. Using the motif of a tree, we will explore the symbols of roots, trunk, branches and leaves, and how representing these through painting, words, collage and objects can bring our stories to life !

The Tree of Life model was developed as a narrative tool in sub-Saharan Africa; a decolonial method of regaining agency, vitality and possibility to promote growth and wellbeing. Sometimes complex life experiences, difficult relationships or other people’s labels can keep us stuck in stories that limit us. When we re-story ourselves, we can find new story-threads, revisit old narratives with a different lens, and find imaginative, creative ways to re-author ourselves, reclaim our life story and life with more agency and purpose.

Experienced facilitator and founder of Journey to Reconnect, Clare Gibbons, will guide you through the creative and reflective process of creating your own ‘Story Tree’, using creative exercises to help you engage with your hidden stories, and explore new narratives about yourself.

THIS WORKSHOP OFFERS :

Learn about the philosophy Narrative Arts and ‘restorying’.

Explore playful ways to engage with art materials, to unlock your stories.

Engage in reflective exercises, journalling and small group discussion, to learn more about where your stories come from.

Discover practical, creative ways to retell and express your stories, and find new ones !

Play with different kinds of stories, and discover new narratives about yourself.

And….you’ll be able to collage yourself your own Story Tree!

Workshop Overview

• Welcome – safe spaces, brave spaces – creating a container for our time together
• Intro – Narrative Arts, the Tree of Life and re-storying for growth and insight
• Warm up – Choosing a Tree – Tree stories and Tree friends!
• Activity 1 – Who and Where We Are – trees as maps of our worlds!

Break - a selection of drinks and refreshments provided

• Activity 2 – Story Roots – finding old story threads and new ideas
• Activity 3 – Future Stories – exploring the places we want to grow
• Closing Activity – Sharing Our Stories – telling our trees!
• Feedback – what was this experience like for you?
• Goodbyes – our farewell stories

This workshop is for over 18s.

If you have any queries, please contact clare@journeytoreconnect.org

T H A N K  Y O U