Rise to Thrive so far 2024 – with Orb Community Arts.

This image was taken by a participant and she called it hidden beauty.

We recently worked with Orb Community Arts delivering two half day sessions at their premises in Knaresborough. What a welcoming charity they are – promoting positive mental health through the creative arts. Right from the outset, I knew these participants were going to love Mindful Photography!

Our first week was all around the theme of curiosity in each other and our surroundings. We used photography books to tell stories and find the studium and punctum; an exploration of what initially drew us to the images and what aspect of it resonated with us. (Barthes)

We set tasks to complete in the week between and this helped to deepen everyone’s experience.

In week two we looked at strengths. I learned so much from this group; (I’ve been advised to watch Mad Max for the excellent cinematography, that’s my homework!).

This intervention was so successful; the group really took the tasks on board; one member said their strength was “ I’m an expert in myself “ another thought deeply before celebrating with “my strength; it was so obvious, it was staring me in the face” and they talked about how resourceful they are.

We have one more session left where we’re probably going to slow down and take notice; this time looking for shapes.

Quote from the workshop –

“Brilliant people – I now feel less isolated – we’re all in it together ! … great !”

If you reside in North Yorkshire and you’d like to be part of Rise to Thrive have a look at the criteria on Better Connect’s website and then drop me an email rebecca@mindfulphotography.org.uk