Postcards from ULEX: Chronicles of Transformation

Summarizing an experience that transcends words, one that traverses the realms of body, heart, and soul, where minds converge and bodies breathe in unison is a daunting task. Our journey at ULEX defies simple expression but invites you to explore the essence of our transformative voyage through these postcards. Bon voyage!

Our training at ULEX catered to a diverse audience – artists, activists, and artivists seeking to enhance their Creative Tools for Social Change. Facilitated by four experts, each hailing from distinct artistic and social backgrounds, our sessions were a rich tapestry of experiences. Serge, a Theatre of the Oppressed practitioner with a history in London’s squatter scene; Ruth, the co-founder of La Bolina, an initiative focused on social integration and sustainable livelihoods in Andalucia, Spain; Lindsay, an expert in mindfulness and meditation practices; and Ed, the co-founder of Moving Sounds, dedicated to using music to work with youth at risk and the elderly suffering from dementia.

The facilitators’ diverse backgrounds and deep-rooted friendships infused our training with trust and a variety of perspectives. This blend of artists and activists sparked thought-provoking discussions, such as pondering the nature of “inner work.” These discussions opened windows to profound reflections. During a session on “Rest as Resistance“, we explored the principles put forth by the Nap Ministry, founded by Tricia Hersey:

1.Rest is a form of resistance because it challenges white supremacy and capitalism.
2.Our bodies are a site of liberation.
3.Naps offer a portal for imagination, invention, and healing.
4.Our dream space has been stolen, and we aim to reclaim it through rest.

Is rest indeed an act of resistance? The answer may vary depending on the context and perspective, inviting us to engage in thoughtful conversations and reflections.

The initial three days of our training focused on experiential learning, where we acquired new techniques by actively engaging with them. The involvement of four facilitators, each leading one session a day, created a seamless transition between practitioners and participants. This dynamic approach, combined with their enduring friendships, fostered a trusting atmosphere within our group.

On the fourth day, we embarked on a silent journey through the land surrounding us. This silent exploration allowed for a deep connection with the natural environment that hosted and embraced us.

Day five presented a unique challenge. Divided into groups of six, we were tasked with employing the techniques we had learned to create experiences, workshops, or rituals for other participants. It was remarkable to witness the creativity that emerged from these groups in such a short time. This experience reaffirmed the importance of structure, setting, and silence in nurturing deep and generative processes.

The final day was dedicated to reflection, although many of us wished for a concrete plan of action to emerge from our discussions. Prototyping tangible actions and receiving feedback from the group could have solidified the seeds for our future endeavors.

One of the sessions that left a lasting impact was led by Ed. He encouraged us to share stories of courage or acts of disobedience while walking in pairs to the village square. Once at the square, Ed read a story about a mouse leaving its home, facing challenges, and gaining strength with the help of new friends. These stories led to deep discussions within pairs.

We were then tasked with creating our own stories in trios, guided by the principles of improvisation: saying yes, valuing the first idea, and making your partner look good. An awareness game followed, and Ed invited five volunteers to try a storytelling technique. This technique involved five individuals standing with their backs to the audience. One person would turn around and begin a story, only to be interrupted when another person turned. Each story was a narrative of courage and disobedience, illustrating the diverse experiences within our group.

Here are some key takeaways from our transformative journey:

Facilitation Basics: Effective facilitation thrives when facilitators share space-holding responsibilities and possess varied perspectives, creating a rich learning environment.

Silence and Space: Embracing silence, as we did during our day in nature, reinvigorates participants, fostering new ideas.

The Cyclical Nature of Process: Celebrating and harvesting (autumn) and rest and reflection (winter) are essential components often overlooked, but crucial for sustainable processes.

Power Dynamics: Acknowledging and addressing power dynamics within groups early on opens avenues for effective collaboration.

The Intersection of Inner and Outer, Art and Activism: The synergy between inner and outer worlds, art, and activism may hold the key to re-enchantment, providing fresh perspectives on tackling systemic issues.

Our journey at ULEX was a profound exploration of change, growth, and transformation. These postcards offer mere glimpses into our experience, but we look forward to sharing more in our future endeavors.

The access to this training was funded under the Erasmus+ program.

Funded by the European Union.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.