Light and Shadow

On invitation by Dr. Julie Chibarro, I taught a play therapy class the other day at the University of West Georgia.  I've taught this class for the past three years and am always amazed at the energy and thoughtfulness of her students.  I was pleasantly surprised that they were so willing to play, perform, tell stories and reflect on their own process. Every time I am introducing drama therapy to people who are relatively unfamiliar with the process, I have the same butterflies I have just before stepping on stage to deliver a performance.  Part of the excitement is not really ever knowing how your work will be received by your audience.  Part of the fear is not really ever knowing how your work will be received by your audience.  This is how the dual aspects of light and shadow function in reality.  The challenge is to not be stopped by either aspect.

While engaged in the storytelling portion of the class, the other night, it occurred to me that the story we were weaving had an undercurrent of professional uncertainty.  I had to remember how many times I, myself, have experienced professional uncertainty - especially living in a state where there is no reciprocity for creative arts therapists... how many times I have had to put on what felt like a magic show of sorts to prove the efficacy of this practice.  And now I seek to marginalize myself that much more by concentrating heavily on dreams!  (Am I a glutton for punishment or what?!)  If I were someplace like California or Arizona or New Mexico or even New York, doing expressive work alone would not be unusual - applying expressive work to dreams, a natural transition.  But in my home state of Georgia which as a whole tends to be more conservative than not, instead of writing my own ticket, some might say I am digging my professional grave.  And at the same time, I am so excited about this venture - so committed to its relevance and healing properties, that I can't think of anything else.  I am planning a dream intensive workshop for next Sunday and Sunday can't seem to get here fast enough!  It is going to be an amazing adventure, and I am so grateful to those who are willing to take this journey with me.  So, hold on tight and enjoy the ride!  I can't wait to share the insight.