Kokedama Therapy© A Gestalt Art Therapy approach
Face-to-Face Workshop
Registrants from Australia can obtain their CPD /OPD hours (non-endorsed activities)
AASW CPD hours
ACA OPD hours
PACFA CPD hours
KOKEDAMA Therapy©
The world in a plant
Kokedama is a traditional Japanese form of botanical art where plants are wrapped in a ball of soil, covered with moss, and bound with string.
The word "Kokedama" can be broken down into "koke" (moss) and "dama" (ball), literally translating to "moss ball." This art form goes beyond mere aesthetics and carries philosophical, emotional, and therapeutic significance.
In this workshop from the Gestalt approach and from the beautiful metaphor of the Kokedama technique you will experiment:
- Connection to Nature: Kokedama emphasizes a close connection with nature. By working with living plants and moss, practitioners are reminded of the beauty and life force present in the natural world. This connection can bring a sense of tranquility and grounding.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Creating Kokedama requires focused attention and mindfulness. The process of crafting the moss ball and planting the vegetation can be meditative, helping individuals to be present at the moment and relieve stress.
- Nurturing and Responsibility: Taking care of living plants encourages a sense of responsibility and nurturing. Watching the plants grow and thrive can give a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
- Emotional Expression: Kokedama work will be a form of self-expression, allowing participants to create unique and personalized pieces of art that reflect their emotions, personality, and artistic taste.
Engaging in Kokedama as a practice you can experiment with therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that spending time with plants and engaging in gardening activities can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting overall mental well-being.
Environmental Awareness: Kokedama art often utilizes sustainable materials and encourages recycling and repurposing. This can foster a deeper appreciation for environmental issues and sustainable practices.
Symbolism: Kokedama can hold symbolic meaning for individuals. The act of enveloping a plant's roots in a moss ball may be seen as a representation of protection, growth, and the cyclical nature of life.
Beauty in Imperfection: Kokedama embraces the concept of wabi-sabi, an essential aspect of Japanese aesthetics, which finds beauty in imperfection and transience. Each Kokedama is unique and imperfect in its way, and this appreciation for imperfection can extend to life's ups and downs.
Mind-Body Connection: Engaging in Kokedama art can help strengthen the mind-body connection. It involves using hands to create something tangible, promoting a sense of accomplishment and physical engagement.
Social Bonding: Kokedama practiced in groups, encouraging social interactions and fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts. Sharing the experience with others can lead to the exchange of knowledge and inspiration.
This will be a "hands-on" workshop, where the "process" will be the most interesting. The "how" will be more important than the "what" or "why".
The final result is not the objective, although you will be surprised at what you can create and, above all, integrate into your "here and now"
*Please wear closed shoes and if suffering from asthma, bring a mask.
Materials included in the workshop cost
Workshop information:
Day: August 26th, 2023
Where: Gestalt Art Therapy Centre.
2 Findlay St. Ashgrove. Brisbane. Qld.
Time: 10 am to 12 pm (Brisbane- Australian time)
Cost:
Members of the Gestalt Art Therapy Center Participation: $95Aud Click here to pay by Credit card (Paypal)
General participants
Click here to pay by Credit card (Paypal) Participation: $120Aud
Workshop REGISTRATION HERE
We are not registered for GST
Silver members: $40 per year
Gold Members: $60 per year
Membership is for one year, until December 31st, 2023.
Payments with PayPal have platform commissions applied.
Please note:
Covid Requirements
Following the Australian Government Health Department's indications and with the objective of offering a safe space for all patients and Counsellors:
Every participant before being admitted to each Face-to-face session/ workshop:
• Before each workshop/ session temperature measures will be taken. If the participant has symptoms like fever (37°C or more), coughing, sore throat, or shortness of breath, unfortunately, he/she will not be admitted to the event/ session, and the session will be rescheduled.
Important information from Government:
Testing positive for COVID-19
Any person who tests positive for COVID-19 will need to immediately isolate at home or other suitable accommodation for at least 4 full days from the date the person had their test. Follow the advice from Queensland Health, including the first steps to take if you have COVID-19.
Close Contact
If you are a close contact, on the day of the event/ session you should have a negative test and wear a mask.
If there is a positive test, please reschedule the session.
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