Being, Belonging, and Becoming: A Coursework on Care

3 session series

Part of The Elemental You exhibition

Date: 16 Nov 24, 23 Nov 24 and 30 Nov 24

Time: 11.00am - 1.30pm

Location: KNMA Saket

Introduction

Museums are known for providing collective imagery and artefacts, and giving visitors the chance to learn more about the world around them. However, they are also becoming more widely known for their role in supporting and nurturing emotional development – that of developing confidence, creativity and self-esteem. Inspired by Mimi Khuc’s book dear elia, this ‘coursework’ aims to re-nurture and reclaim the meaning, purpose and acceptance of the process and meaning of care. Through each session the objective remains encouraging deeper awareness, empathy and compassion towards one’s self. 

Being: Body Scan

Date: 16 Nov 24

Time: 11.00 am - 1.30 pm

Location: KNMA Saket

“Being” in the flesh, bones, flowing in the blood and lymph, in our body through our mind this session explores the interconnections through this guided body mapping followed by colouring, collaging, painting and adorning the framework to explore and celebrate the beingness of self.

This session uses guided body scanning to explore the profound mind-body connection. The mind and body are intertwined in a feedback loop where mental tension creates physical discomfort, and heightened bodily sensations can trigger overthinking. Our thoughts, emotions, fears, desires, and experiences are stored in different areas of the body, impacting both mental and physical states. 

Through art intervention and mindful body scanning, participants are encouraged to reflect on their physical sensations in the "here and now." This practice helps identify areas of tension, pain, or discomfort, as well as feelings of happiness and joy. Participants are guided to soothe and address these sensations, fostering a deeper understanding and healing of emotional and physical wounds. 

This process culminates in drawing a body outline, incorporating the newfound awareness of these physical feelings. Mindful body observation transcends personal well-being, becoming a tool for liberation, empathy, and social justice. By honouring our own embodied experiences, we can better connect with others, fostering cultural responsiveness, respect, and inclusivity. Mindfulness becomes a bridge to personal growth and a more compassionate, interconnected future.

Belonging : Earth Mandala and You

Date: 23 Nov 24

Time: 11.00 am - 1.30 pm

Location: KNMA Saket

Centuries ago, belonging was straightforward: we were born into a family, trade, or community. Today, achieving belonging is more complex due to the dynamic nature of identity, the abundance of choices, and the fear of making the wrong ones. 

As technology often replaces community, fostering belonging now requires intentional effort and vulnerability. 

This session invites participants to explore their sense of self through a Mandala, a diagram with concentric circles representing different identity aspects, such as gender, race, religion, culture, and personal interests. Beginning by discussing concepts of belonging, interconnectivity, social influences, family dynamics, and intersectionality. Then, through a guided structure encouraging participants to draw/paint/scribble/write/colour their Mandala, reflecting on three levels: early experiences of identity, personal reactions to those experiences, and their impact on self-perception and empowerment. The Mandala’s core will reveal how participants' beliefs about themselves have formed and evolved, illustrating the intersection of diverse identity aspects.

Becoming : Tree Analogy

Date: 30 Nov 24

Time: 11.00 am - 1.30 pm

Location: KNMA Saket

Individual perspectives which are unique and root each one to this earth. Comparing the process with an analogy of a tree, its germination from the seed in the soil to roots, stem, branches, flowering. Drooping, wilting, pollination and dispersal and how one can relate with their own “becoming” of this Earth navigating their thoughts, feeling, actions, belief system and circles of care and agency. In their own pace, media, accessibility, capacity and understanding the exploration would be just a beginning in connecting with their being better. 

This particular session invites participants to create a visual metaphor of your life as a tree, reflecting one’s past, present, and future. It begins by identifying the origins—such as your birthplace, hometown, culture, or formative influences—on the roots to represent one’s foundation. On the ground, marking the activities, patterns, rituals, reflecting one’s current choices. The trunk should hold one’s core values at the base, progressing into acquired skills to illustrate growth from beliefs to abilities. 

On the branches, one expresses their hopes, dreams, and aspirations, extending toward future possibilities. The leaves are for those who positively impact them symbolising relationships that nurture their growth. The fruits represent legacies passed down to them—qualities or gifts inherited. Finally, accessorising with flowers and seeds would reflect towards the legacies one wishes to leave behind, representing their future impact. 

This exercise offers a holistic view of the process of “becoming” and interpreting diversely. 

Facilitator:

Leena Namjoshi

Leena Namjoshi trained in Applied Arts, from Faculty Fine Arts, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Currently a student of Masters in Art Therapy, 3rd Semester, MIT ADT University Pune. Her initial experience of 10 years in the Advertising and Media Industry motivated her to set up her own Arts Consultancy services in 2006. She has been involved in numerous Art projects, both in the India and abroad, throughout her professional career. Recent projects include Tau Project IFFCO Chowk, Gurugram Flight, Star India Lata Tribute, Art shows and camps for Old World Hospitality in India, London and Venice, Triennale Lalit Kala Akademi, Maruti 1 Million Dzires, among others. 

Image Credits: Leena Namjoshi