Sunday, September 28th, 10:30 – 14:30, Berlin-Charlottenburg
Descendants of survivors of collective trauma, such as the Holocaust, often carry the burden of their family’s story together with feelings of guilt, insecurity and anxiety, while having no words to express those emotions. In this Reflective Writing workshop we will make room for those feelings in a way that gives them meaning and makes them communicative.
Reflective Writing is an invitation for contemplation and inquiry, allowing thoughts and feelings to be embraced in mindful presence, thus deepening our self-understanding and bringing about better communication with ourselves and with others. In the workshop we will explore our experiences as descendants of survivors of National Socialist persecution: What does it mean to us to be a second, third or fourth generation of those who were persecuted? How does the past of our families live within us today, and in what ways does it affect our life’s experiences? What are the feelings and the emotions we carry within us? And how does the writing itself make a difference? Can it open a new perspective, and bring a sense of meaning?
The workshop will be held in English (with an option for translation into German, Hebrew and Russian). However, participants can write in any language that feels comfortable.
Each one is invited to write to him/herself from the heart, without judgment or evaluation regarding ‘the quality’ of the writing. The aim is listening, expressing, being in touch with one-self, and sharing with others as much as anyone feels ready to share within the workshop’s attentive space.
The workshop is hosted by Michal Arbel – art therapist (MA) and spiritual care provider, with an introduction into the topic of transgenerational trauma by Alisa Gadas (AMCHA).
Michal facilitates groups and accompanies individuals in times of existential crisis, life-transitions, illness and loss. In facing the challenges of life, she offers inspiration through poetry and art, mindfulness meditation, and the beauty of nature.
Participation
We invite participants who are descendants of survivors of Nazi persecution. Participation in the workshop is free of charge. The number of places is limited. Registration until the 17th of September is required (alisa.gadas@amcha.de).
Please let us know whether you need translation and have special dietary requirements, and write a few words about your background. You will receive a confirmation and all further details regarding location etc. on September 22nd.
The workshop is part of the project ‘What voice do we have?’, funded by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ) and the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) as part of the educational agenda on Nazi injustice.
