Journey to Now — A life map on the floor
Sitting around a large circle marked on the floor, participants use natural materials (stones, leaves, twigs, shells) to build a silent visual map of their life journey, from birth at the outer edge to the present moment at the centre. Each person then walks their path and shares it, while the group listens and, afterwards, walks the paths of others.
THEME
Self-Reflection and Personal History
COMPLEXITY
Intermediate
GROUP SIZE
6-24 participants
AGE
16 +
TIME
90–120 minutes
Objectives
- To facilitate deep self-reflection through visual and spatial expression
- To support participants in sharing personal experiences beyond verbal language
- To develop empathy by witnessing and connecting with others’ stories
- To encourage non-verbal storytelling and symbolic thinking
Materials
- Different materials from nature (leaves, feathers, sticks, pine cones, flowers, stones, etc.)
- Different photos or cards with pictures
- Tape and scissors
Overview
Participants sit around a large circle marked on the floor and use natural materials to create a visual representation of their life journey. The outer edge of the circle represents birth, while the centre represents the present moment. Instead of using words, participants express meaning through symbols made from natural objects.
Once the circle is complete, each participant shares their journey by walking along their path and explaining it. Afterwards, everyone is invited to walk around the circle to observe and reflect on the journeys of others.
This activity supports self-reflection and encourages non-verbal expression of personal experiences.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Introduction (10 min): Explain the structure of the circle: the outer edge represents birth, the centre represents where we are now. Invite participants to think of their lives as a journey and to represent key moments, turning points, and experiences using natural materials — not words. Stress that there is no right or wrong way to do this.
- Creating the journey (25–35 min): Participants mark with natural materials their journey on their section of the circle. Encourage them to work in silence and use the materials to represent events, emotions, and transitions. Facilitators circulate quietly and offer encouragement without directing content.
- Sharing your path (15–20 min): Each participant traces their path from the outer edge to the centre, briefly narrating what each symbol means to them. Sharing is voluntary — participants may share as much or as little as they wish.
- Witnessing others (10 min): Participants walk slowly around the full circle, observing each other’s journeys in silence. Encourage them to approach this as a moment of witness and respect.
- Group reflection (10 min): Bring the group together for a brief discussion about what they noticed, what surprised them, and what they would like to take away.
Debriefing and Evaluation:
Reflection Questions:
- What was it like to represent your life in images rather than words?
- What did you notice when you walked around and saw others’ journeys?
- Were there patterns or similarities across different journeys?
- What does your journey tell you about where you are now?
- For evaluation, observe the depth of engagement with the creative process, willingness to share, and the quality of witnessing and listening within the group.
Tips for Facilitators:
- Create a calm, focused atmosphere — consider playing soft instrumental music during the creation phase.
- Make clear that sharing is optional — no one should feel pressured to explain their journey.
- Allow extra time if participants are deeply engaged; this activity can run longer than expected.
- Be prepared for emotional responses — have a quiet space available and be ready to offer support.
Variations:
- For participants who find visual art challenging, allow any form of representation: written words, cut-out images, or abstract marks.
- For shorter sessions, reduce the circle to individual sheets of paper and skip the walk-around phase.
- Can be done digitally using drawing apps for remote or hybrid sessions.
Disclaimer:
This activity may surface deep personal memories and emotions. Facilitate with care and ensure participants know they are in control of what they share. Have emotional support available during and after the session. This is not a therapy exercise; if sensitive content arises, be prepared to acknowledge it respectfully and refer to professional support if needed.
Theatre activities
MODULE 1 NEEDS ANALYSIS
Needs analysis activities
MODULE 2 MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
Contact
Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)
iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.
The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).