by Karen Gonzalez-Torres
Windows Facilitator
Los Angeles, California
Storytelling has long been a powerful tool for expression and healing, allowing us to give voice to our experiences and connect with others on a deeper level. Like the roots, strong trunks, and expansive branches of trees, stories represent our personal growth and transformation. With the Story Trees art workshop, we have the opportunity to tell our unique stories, capture our emotions, and honor our resilience in the face of adversity.
In my past, trauma was something that flooded my world. Deeply wounded as a child, I grew up feeling like the world wasn’t a safe place. I hid that wound for most of my life, not knowing how to talk about what happened to me.
The first time I embarked on creating a Story Tree of my own, I had never shared that I had been sexually assaulted. When I was asked to reflect in the workshop, I found myself feeling sad for my younger self and everything she had to go through. I drew a tree surrounded by a water lily pond as a reminder that the ugly muddy waters of my past life aren’t able to stop me from healing and growing.
The process of visually expressing my emotions, thoughts, and reflections through the branches, leaves, and roots of the tree was cathartic and empowering.
As I continued to paint I began to feel more at peace as I started to let the pain from my past surface and be released. After I completed my Story Tree, I shared my creation with my fellow group members. Sharing my heart with them, I felt like I was finally allowing myself to feel and grieve for what I had gone through.
Through the Story Trees art form, I found the courage and freedom to tell my story, allowing me to reclaim my narrative and heal the wounds that had long remained hidden. The workshop provided me with a safe and sacred space to honor my journey and acknowledge the strength that had emerged from my experiences. It allowed me to cultivate my resilience because it helped me make something beautiful out of the ugliness of the past.
When I became an AWBW facilitator, I was thankful that I could create safe spaces for others to heal and find hope too. My faith is something that got me through a lot of hardship and I decided to use the Story Trees workshop with my Bible study group.
Many of the participants had not connected to art since they were young. A lot of them cried when they created their Story Tree of the past. Then as they focused on their present and future they were all grateful to share their stories in such a deep way. They didn’t realize that art could be so powerful.
Sharing our art and experiences with others is a powerful way to break isolation and forge connections. Story Trees offer a profound way to unleash our stories, honor our experiences, and find solace in the creative process.
Now, I invite you to explore the healing power of creating your Story Tree. You can begin by finding a quiet and comfortable space where you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process. Gather any materials you like such as the Story Tree art workshop worksheet, pens, markers, or colored pencils. Take a moment to think about and reflect on your past and current events. Allow yourself to tap into your innermost feelings and experiences.
As you begin to create your Story Tree, consider using symbols, colors, and shapes that resonate with your unique story. For example, the branches can represent different aspects of your life, the leaves can symbolize your emotions, and the roots can signify your sources of strength and support. Feel free to add words, quotes, or affirmations that hold personal significance for you.
Journaling Questions:
- What emotions or thoughts arise as you reflect on your experiences and the impact they’ve had on your life?
- What have you learned from these experiences, and what aspects of your growth and transformation would you like to capture in your Story Tree?
- Are there any symbols or colors that strongly resonate with your story? Why do they hold significance for you?
- What sources of strength and support have helped you navigate challenging times?
- How do you envision your Story Tree representing your resilience and growth?
As your Story Tree takes shape, it can serve as a visual representation of the strength and growth you have cultivated through your journey. Each stroke of the pen or brush carries the weight of your experiences, while also embracing the transformative power of healing and hope. As you create your Story Tree, see if you can allow yourself to become fully immersed in the process, honoring any emotions that may arise.
There is no right or wrong way to create your Story Tree. This activity is about personal expression and self-discovery. I invite you to give yourself the freedom to explore, experiment, and let your creativity flow. Embrace your unique narrative and let your Story Tree stand tall, reminding you of the beauty and strength that is within you.
by Karen Gonzalez-Torres
Windows Facilitator
Los Angeles, California
Download the accompanying Story Tree art activity:
Watch Karen’s Facilitator Spotlight Video on Story Share
Want to bring healing art programming to your community?
A Window Between Worlds (AWBW) supports hundreds of direct service organizations across the country to incorporate creative expression into their work with trauma survivors. With this blog we uplift the voices of our art workshop facilitators and participants. We invite you to take in this perspective, notice what resonates and explore how it may fit into your life.