Secret-Keeping Monster
Invitation:
1.) Make your secret-keeping monster: Reflect on your options here, consider whether 2-d or 3-d is more appealing; you could download images from the internet to work with or find images in old magazines. How big is your monster, and how can you best portray that? Would something free-form, like paint pouring be useful? Would writing a description of your monster work better for you?
Once you have represented your secret-keeping monster, add a speech bubble to contain its words, a thought bubble to convey its thoughts, and a heart to hold its feelings.
2.) Script a conversation with the monster: Imagine yourself or your character conversing with your monster. Record or represent this in some way.
Alternate:
1.) Free Write: Reflecting on this topic, free write whatever comes to mind. Set a timer or a goal of 3 pages and start writing. This could be a letter, a poem, a story, or musings on the topic. Go!
Secrets and Deception
One of the most difficult things for LDA's to process is all of the untruths we were told in order to keep the secret of our adoption safe. This week we will be exploring ways to externalize this experience.
I have done versions of this activity with many youth groups, and it is always very interesting. The idea is to imagine that the truth about your adoption is being held by a literal monster. Perhaps that monster has some striking resemblances to someone else in your life, or perhaps not.
For me, it brings to mind an art project I completed in high school; it was a sculpture of a sleeping dragon. I worked for months on it; skipping my other classes in favor of working in the art room. I had had suspicions of my adoption by this point in my life, and my mother had repeatedly denied when I had asked her. But my intuition knew.
In completing this invitation, I reflected on the sleeping dragon I created at that time; giving it the ability to wake from its slumber, to speak, think, and even feel. I've shared the results above.
Reflect and Please consider sharing:
Take a few moments to reflect on what you have created, what feelings come up for you as you gaze on it? Is anything surprising to you? Do you have the urge to add, change, or alter it in some way? Notice this, and follow through if it feels right.
Please consider sharing with the group or a trusted friend. You can do this by contacting me through email or on facebook.