As Sesame dramatherapy itself, everything started with a dream. A dream of the energy of receiving and giving flowing freely.
On a summer day in Greece, I was watching the waterfall endlessly falling into the river. At that moment, at that place, in this blissful and peaceful moment, I felt the energy of the waterfall flowing freely inside... Cleansing whatever was stuck there and revealing to me a new way of living.
My life in London was lacking flow. I was feeling rather drowned in it. I decided I can do no less than opening into flow. I have received so many things, I have learned so much from this world - and yes, there is another million of things to experience, but I had to start giving much more than what I was to balance this. A feeling of tremendous urge to let myself, the skills, experiences and the human being I am to be of service for other people conquered every other desire I had.
Sure, there are many ways one can be of service. I chose to do it through dramatherapy; through opening a space for people to come and be with however they are, however they are feeling and whatever their circumstances are. When one is not judged or pushed to change, when one is welcomed to just be, when one feels safe to let go off any mask, one can acknowledge, become aware, accept, respect and begin to love who they are - one's all facets and their True Self. This is the space where with empathy and love, one can heal old traumas and find ways to restore their well-being and let their self-development. A space for nurturing self-esteem, encouraging self-expression and allowing aspirations to blossom.
Why India?
For the past two years, I have been sharing a flat in London with two Indians. This is when I started building a craving for visiting their country. I was invited, but knew that a week or two would be such a little time to really experience this culture. This is why I have decided to plan a volunteer project here and come here for a longer period of time.
Why volunteering?
I want to work for free with women and children in India, cause I know dramatherapy is not widely available there. On the contrary, it is rather rare. Witnessing people open up and flourish through connecting with their own self and others is really precious. I know dramatherapy can be a great way to support that, so why not offer that?
Why not volunteering in the UK then?
Last Spring, I volunteered with a UK-based charity for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. Being a registered health professional and volunteering for a wide-period of time can raise great issues in these times. A manager once told me: 'Why ever employ someone if I can get it for free?' Although disappointed to hear this, I do see their point.
Let's be realistic, with massive cuts to Welfare, Health and Social Care, the smooth functionality of this country depends greatly on its volunteers. However, we witness volunteering, a selfless service to the community transforming into an exploitation of people, who have found themselves unemployed, but are trying to get more competitive with extra work experience or keep themselves professionally active. This is why I do not wish to continue volunteering for long periods of time as a professional in this country.
I truly however still believe in the spirit and joy of volunteering. This is why I have chosen India.
Or in Greece?
Greece is my first home and is indeed in crisis. Similarly with the UK, the exploitation of the workforce is tremendous at the moment and I do not wish to worsen this with volunteering. However, I would love to run a voluntary or low cost project there at some point in the future.
Disclaimers:
-I do not judge and thus I do not have the desire or attempt in anyway to change people. Change is something that might happen to us naturally if and when it is needed. It usually takes place when we have found old values, habits and situations to fail us. My focus is on acceptance and on opening a space for others to feel safe into their living experience and being able to express freely, without being judged. From this experience, positive change can be supported.
-I do not have the belief that I am better than anyone else and I refuse to sell myself in such ways. Definitely not for the sake of keeping the rules of competitive and dividing societies who continue to value people depending on their age, gender, religion, financial status, race, cast or any other way. On the same time, I neither have the belief that I am worse than anyone else. With this realisation, I witness my fears melting one on top of the other, shuttering barriers, and allowing opening myself to the world.
