In April, we met at the "Open the Doors in Bethany" center to participate in the first in-person class "Exploring the Inner World through Fairy Tales" of the youth solidarity project "flourish"! How beautiful, how creative, and what a great sense of community. For three hours, young people had the opportunity to be true in a safe environment - to get to know themselves, share their thoughts, and feel what it's like to "grow" together with others.

During the class, the participants got to know each other using associative cards, which helped open conversations and create an atmosphere full of trust. This was followed by a creative workshop with elements of fairy tale therapy, led by Krista Kristiāna Kristapsone, where the participants heard the fairy tale "Lotilko's Wings", noticed the symbols in it, and created their own "wings" - reflecting on what strengthens them and helps them feel "alive". Then, under the guidance of two occupational therapists - Polina Stolerova and Anastasija Vaičule - the young people meditated, observing their lives as the flow of a river, and got acquainted with the KAWA model - a method that allows you to depict and describe your life through the symbol of a river. At the end of the session, the participants shared their insights and reflected on their experiences, again using associative cards as a tool for deeper self-reflection.

The participants' feedback confirmed how significant and inspiring this experience was: “It was very interesting to see how everyone thinks and feels about the same activities. It allowed us to see how different we are and yet how similar.” Others emphasized that the session helped them look within themselves, find peace and a positive outlook: “After the session, I felt very calm, all negative thoughts disappeared. I gained new feelings, insights and a beautiful time with people.” Many participants admitted that the fairy tale therapy approach made them remember how much wisdom and inspiration is hidden in stories that we often consider only childhood fairy tales.

The class created a safe space where everyone could be authentic, aware of their feelings and experience a creative process in a community where there is support, compassion and interest in each other.

Sincere thanks to all participants for their presence, openness and courage to share their experiences, as well as to the facilitators and team for their hard work.

The project is funded by the European Union. Thanks to the National Agency for supporting the solidarity project “to flourish”.

This publication reflects only the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily coincide with the position of the European Union, the European Commission or the National Agency.