{"id":144895,"date":"2026-06-06T07:38:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T05:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/?p=144895"},"modified":"2026-06-07T18:39:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T16:39:58","slug":"journey-to-now-a-life-map-on-the-floor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/journey-to-now-a-life-map-on-the-floor\/","title":{"rendered":"Journey to Now \u2014 A life map on the floor"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_block id=”143257″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”203935″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”171924″]Home<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Toolbox<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 M3 Visual Arts<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Journey to Now \u2014 A life map on the floor<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”404764″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_horizontal=”left” gutter_size=”3″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”96″ radius=”std” shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_fixed=”yes” shift_y_down=”0″ shift_y_down_fixed=”yes” z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shadow_responsive=”yes” width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”717966″][vc_row_inner row_inner_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”551567″][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_horizontal=”left” gutter_size=”2″ style=”light” back_color=”color-202973″ overlay_alpha=”5″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”208493″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_custom_heading text_color=”color-564791″ heading_semantic=”h1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”100653″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Journey to Now \u2014 A life map on the floor[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”178873″]<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”2″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”691366″][vc_single_image media=”144986″ media_width_percent=”100″ uncode_shortcode_id=”556633″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”121903″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”762499″][vc_single_image media=”143344″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”831028″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”497731″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]THEME<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”601054″]Self-Reflection and Personal History<\/span><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”205574″][vc_single_image media=”143349″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”170116″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”616773″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]COMPLEXITY<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”134462″]Intermediate<\/span><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”138518″][vc_single_image media=”143374″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”114320″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”756304″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]GROUP SIZE<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”299397″]<\/p>\n

6-24 participants<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”174229″][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”813798″][vc_single_image media=”143381″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”143579″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”147123″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]AGE<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”711345″]<\/p>\n

16 +<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”1″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”4″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”183783″][vc_single_image media=”143371″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”144148″ media_width_pixel=”90″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” text_color=”color-187928″ uncode_shortcode_id=”113937″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]TIME<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”200866″]<\/p>\n

90\u2013120 minutes<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”707183″][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ desktop_visibility=”yes” medium_visibility=”yes” medium_width=”0″ mobile_visibility=”yes” mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/6″ uncode_shortcode_id=”364653″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”4″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”104034″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”3″ style=”dark” back_color=”color-564791″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/2″ uncode_shortcode_id=”869236″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”3\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”794137″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”824194″]Objectives<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”9\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”209091″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”181192″]<\/p>\n

    \n
  • To facilitate deep self-reflection through visual and spatial expression<\/li>\n
  • To support participants in sharing personal experiences beyond verbal language<\/li>\n
  • To develop empathy by witnessing and connecting with others\u2019 stories<\/li>\n
  • To encourage non-verbal storytelling and symbolic thinking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator sep_color=”” uncode_shortcode_id=”196013″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”3\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”794137″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”338327″]Materials<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”9\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”209091″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”726570″]<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Different materials from nature (leaves, feathers, sticks, pine cones, flowers, stones, etc.)<\/li>\n
    • Different photos or cards with pictures<\/li>\n
    • Tape and scissors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator sep_color=”” uncode_shortcode_id=”196013″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”3\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”794137″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”225735″]Overview<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”9\/12″ uncode_shortcode_id=”209091″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”360440″]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.<\/p>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

      This activity supports self-reflection and encourages non-verbal expression of personal experiences.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_custom_heading text_color=”color-564791″ uncode_shortcode_id=”209497″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]Step-by-Step Instructions:[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”195665″]<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Introduction (10 min):<\/strong> 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 \u2014 not words. Stress that there is no right or wrong way to do this.<\/li>\n
      2. Creating the journey (25\u201335 min):<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n
      3. Sharing your path (15\u201320 min):<\/strong> Each participant traces their path from the outer edge to the centre, briefly narrating what each symbol means to them. Sharing is voluntary \u2014 participants may share as much or as little as they wish.<\/li>\n
      4. Witnessing others (10 min):<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n
      5. Group reflection (10 min): <\/strong>Bring the group together for a brief discussion about what they noticed, what surprised them, and what they would like to take away.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        [\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”2″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ border_color=”color-164281″ border_style=”solid” preserve_border=”yes” preserve_border_tablet=”yes” preserve_border_mobile=”yes” shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”133428″ css=”.vc_custom_1763037015187{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;}” border_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_single_image media=”143312″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”206743″ media_width_pixel=”35″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”146095″]Debriefing and Evaluation:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Reflection Questions:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • What was it like to represent your life in images rather than words?<\/li>\n
        • What did you notice when you walked around and saw others’ journeys?<\/li>\n
        • Were there patterns or similarities across different journeys?<\/li>\n
        • What does your journey tell you about where you are now?<\/li>\n
        • For evaluation, observe the depth of engagement with the creative process, willingness to share, and the quality of witnessing and listening within the group.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”850939″]Tips for Facilitators:<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Create a calm, focused atmosphere \u2014 consider playing soft instrumental music during the creation phase.<\/li>\n
          • Make clear that sharing is optional \u2014 no one should feel pressured to explain their journey.<\/li>\n
          • Allow extra time if participants are deeply engaged; this activity can run longer than expected.<\/li>\n
          • Be prepared for emotional responses \u2014 have a quiet space available and be ready to offer support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”2″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ border_color=”color-164281″ border_style=”solid” preserve_border=”yes” preserve_border_tablet=”yes” preserve_border_mobile=”yes” shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”187656″ css=”.vc_custom_1763037027808{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;}” border_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_single_image media=”143314″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”183678″ media_width_pixel=”35″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”774224″]Variations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • For participants who find visual art challenging, allow any form of representation: written words, cut-out images, or abstract marks.<\/li>\n
            • For shorter sessions, reduce the circle to individual sheets of paper and skip the walk-around phase.<\/li>\n
            • Can be done digitally using drawing apps for remote or hybrid sessions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”2″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ border_color=”color-164281″ border_style=”solid” preserve_border=”yes” preserve_border_tablet=”yes” preserve_border_mobile=”yes” shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”162266″ css=”.vc_custom_1763037033173{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;}” border_color_type=”uncode-palette”][vc_single_image media=”143310″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”130583″ media_width_pixel=”35″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”351605″]Disclaimer:<\/strong><\/p>\n

              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.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_block id=”144912″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_block id=”143281″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              [vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][uncode_block id=”143257″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”203935″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”171924″]Home\u00a0 |\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":144992,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-144895","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-m4-theatre-methods"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144895","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144895"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144895\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":145023,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144895\/revisions\/145023"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/144992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=144895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/a4action.ro\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=144895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}