August 16~17, 2003:-

The Mitra Welfare centre recently organized a self-exploration workshop for its 60 or so volunteers to help in phone-counselling sessions. Stella Maris apartment that is within sight of a picturesque view of the beaches of Tanjung Bunga, was an ideal place for the workshop participants to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and improve their capabilities in helping the society.

Most of the activities in the workshop dealt with self-exploration through various creative methods. The first activities dealt with a personal observation of oneself through the drawing of a mask, which was later discussed within a group. The workshop continued with a telematch that was actually an icebreaker which enabled the participants to get to know each other better. The participants were in for a surprise, as the grand prizes for the game was, drum roll please… two delicious-looking pomelo fruits! (Later, the winners generously shared their fruits with the rest of the participants!)

The participants were then treated to a series of activities, which encouraged them to closely observe their own behaviours in various situations. The first workshop, which explored the concept of understanding one’s purpose in life was discussed among the groups in a brainstorming session. This was followed by another workshop, aptly titled ‘Armageddon Workshop’, where the participants, who were blindfolded as a group, were asked to imagine themselves in a tragic situation, followed this. It was an enriching experience as they came closer to knowing their true self – whether they will be able to cope in challenging situations or crumble beneath the pressure. They also learn how to deal with such situations and become a more responsible.

The other activities in the workshop mainly covered the subject of the un-satisfactoriness in one’s life, and how it is connected to unrealistic thinking that clouds one’s mind. The participants were also asked to explore themselves using the ‘Johari Window’. The participants also learn by listing down their own positive aspects and getting feedback from the other participants. The workshop was indeed a successful way of motivating and enriching the spirit of volunteerism in the Mitra Welfare members.

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Sis. Siew Eng shares her fond experiences during the workshop

I felt that I have gained a lot from this camp especially in discovering myself and also receive much needed encouragement to move towards my dream.

In the first session on drawing the mask, I had actually drawn a mask which was quite different from the others and was filled with colours. When I was drawing the mask I noticed to my chagrined, that the others were drawing different types of mask which were not the same as mine and a question fleeted across my mind " Do I want to follow them or not?" but I quickly told myself that I should draw what I wanted to draw and be what I wanted to be. As I wanted my life to be colourful, it was shown on my mask. On my mask, I also drew some black lines which shows the unhappy experience I had so far, I recognised them because those were also part of my life and mold me to who I am so far.

During the exploration in the darkness I felt that I enjoyed being a follower rather than a leader (in real life, most of the time I am a follower too). I’m scared to be a leader because I worry that I will bring the followers to the wrong direction and be blamed for it. Being in the middle position, I felt more secure as there was someone before me who can lead me and also someone behind me to accompany me if I’ve gone into a wrong direction. I strongly feel that the need for a companion is actually more important than whether you can be out of the danger or darkness!

The "Johari Window" session gave much encouragement to me because I found so many new strengths in me. It seems like most of us sometimes don't see our own strengths and sometimes don't even recognized them. I found out that most of us have so much in common regarding our strengths and this is a real encouragement to all of us.

The small book titled "A lost piece met a circle" gave me a clearer mind. I felt that everyone is a lost piece and is always trying to fit in somewhere. We have forgotten that we should actually keep rolling and be a circle. I look forward to become a circle but I don't really care whether I will be a circle or not at the end. To me the most important thing is to keep rolling and to become a circle because a circle is too abstract. Even if you think you are a circle, the others may not see you as such.

I felt that this camp should be conducted at least twice a year, as once is not enough!

Regards,
Siew Eng