ABT( My Pilot Project)

After coming from the workshop in Poona my Pilot project had begun in my own school.I had to complete 12 hours of session work ,additionally 18 hours of preparatory work and reporting was to be completed. I was given the group of caretakers for the same. This was for the first time they were attending such sessions.I initiated the process by working out the logistics and orienting the group as to what is going to happen in the sessions.

I had caretakers from girl's and boy's dormitories and kitchen staff and a sweeper. The group members were in the age range of 23 years to 65 years.They come from abused family backgrounds and some of them had never been to school.They were from different religious background and had many issues amongst them.

12th Feb,09 was my first session. All have come with doubts and little reluctance in their minds with them.I had created a strong intent that all come for the session and their resistance being released.Our session started with the group creating healing altar for all. All people from different religions prayed at the altar.They colored drawings,burn incense sticks, lit Diyas.This is how it all started.Then the sessions were followed one after the other.On 9th March,09 I had completed my 7th session.The journey through this Pilot had been amazing as an AB Tstudent.

Here are some of the insights....After three sessions I realized that there were some participants who were still inhibited and non participating. As a facilitator it can be frustrating at times when such thing happens.I had shared my worries and concerns with my mentor and got a lead from him and few precious tips.

I would like to share some of my memorable session here. 5th Session was based on expression. I got all the musical instruments in the hall. Group entered the hall with curious and excited look on their faces. After the ritual they were asked to select the instrument they liked. Few of them refused as they said they cant play it. After the encouragement and support each one took one by one all the instruments.Drumming started with a chaos and struggle of the group members to play in sync.After making lots of noise the group settled at a pulse.Soon each one started coming in the middle to facilitate the group.As one round ended they have started singing songs followed by dance and it ended with enactment.All of them enjoyed the process thoroughly.This was the session when all the participants came at the same wavelength or in sync with each other. They expressed themselves freely and without inhibitions.

In another session in which the theme was again self expression.All of them were asked to paint the wall with different colors as if filling colors in their lives.They began with filling colors in water pistols and splashing it on the walls.They immersed their hands in color and made prints on the wall.Soon the atmosphere became lighter n fun filled. They all began splashing colors on each others. There was a cheer and mirth in the room. All had started playing Holli.This festival and occasion helped me to bridge the gap between them.This was the most magical moment of the session.Each sessions there were such magical moments . Especially when the group prayed together singing 'Om jay jag dish hare'...the group stood together and their prayers crossed all the mental,psychological and inter religious gap in this space.
My pilot project ended with lots of insights for me as a facilitator.

• Never have assumptions about the participants.
• Human beings have an immense capacity to heal and gain insight for their problem.
• Being open and observant helps in the process of facilitation.
• At times the line between the healer and the healed gets blurred.
• Empty yourself so as to be filled with more meaningful things.
• Being sensitive to the needs of the group.

At the end of March I was ready with my need assessment of the group. I have eagerness to leap forward towards my Research project........It was going to be followed by another Learning workshop at Poona.....