A Shape of Emotion care workshop, held for the staff and teachers of Sekwati Primary School, in Soweto, introduced the group to their inner selves. They explored how emotions and feelings show up in their bodies and learnt how to release and let go of their difficult emotions, with a view to building emotional fitness.
The first official day of school holidays, Monday 1 October, 2018 saw many teachers already on holiday or in the throes of planning their trip home or away. Many, that is, except for a handful of committed educators and other staff of Sekwati Primary School in Molapo, Soweto. They had given up a day of their well deserved rest to tune into their emotional needs and learn how to manage their daily stresses.
Snooky Msibi, the colourful and very energetic principal of this small primary school, invited us (Matthew Green and Chantal Dawtrey of 5th Place) to do a workshop at her school because:
"Everyone that works at my school is very committed, but they are under a lot of stress. Working at a school in this under resourced community in Soweto is not easy. I want to offer something that they can use to support themselves."
The workshop, called Shape of Emotion care, introduced the group to their inner selves. They explored how emotions and feelings show up in their bodies and learnt how to release and let go of their difficult emotions. They were also shown how to expand positive emotions. These are the cornerstones of 5th Place's approach to building emotional fitness.
It starts with me, a day well spent
The 5th Place principle that "It starts with me" showed the participants, who included educators (teachers), security personnel and the SGB (School Governing Body) chairperson, that they cannot attend to the needs of others if they do not attend to their own well being first.
"It was amazing," said Snooky, "It is a life skill [to learn Shape of Emotion]. It is great and everyone needs to attend in order to enjoy our profession."
The participants were unanimous, it was a day well spent. They all learnt a valuable skill that they can use in their work and personal lives.
Feedback from participants
Some of the feedback from participants for this Shape of Emotion care workshop:
I have realised the importance of concentrating on me to be able to gain the strength and ability to give to others.
That burden that was in my shoulder has gone. I just let it go.
I wasn't going to come. Another meeting that I was at before this had made me very angry. But I am so glad that I did. I came with anger but I went home with peace.
Yes, if you want to let go anger, grudges and have peace, it works.
Shape of Emotion - Powerful & simple
Shape of Emotion is a remarkably powerful, yet deceptively simple process, developed by 5th Place, to build emotional fitness and address the impact that difficult emotions like stress and anxiety (amongst others) have on individuals. The process is largely content-free in nature.
There is no need to expose oneself, unpack or spend any extended time analysing what or why you feel the way you do. It is safe, easy to learn and use and quickly clears the effects of difficult emotions allowing for a return to a centred, resourceful state. Practiced regularly the Shape of Emotion process builds emotional fitness.
5th Place offers a variety of ways to learn more about Shape of Emotion. Get in touch with us to find out more.
Photos from the day
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About the author
5th Place
5th Place is a dynamic organization that's passionate about emotional fitness. We're the creators of Shape of Emotion, a revolutionary tool that's changing the way we understand and manage our emotions. But we're not just about theory - we're about practical, tangible change.
We offer Emotional Fitness Classes and courses that help individuals, from children to adults, build emotional resilience and well-being. For our younger audience, we've created the Vibarealm, a vibrant universe that encourages a healthier interaction with emotions.
Join us on this journey to emotional fitness and let's make the world a better place together.