With the positive attitude suggested by the title above, we gathered in Marosvásárhely/Târgu Mureș on November 17, 2023. The two-day mental health training - organized by ICUUW in collaboration with UNOSZ (Unitarian Women’s Association of Romania) thanks to a generous grant from the UU Funding Program - provided very meaningful and spiritual experiences.
The valuable interactive lectures and workshops were aimed at developing our mental well-being and resilience. Even though we all arrived a little tired on Friday, after a week’s work, we were soon captivated by Annamária Kádár's very colorful presentation, and suddenly we all became “living fairy-tale heroes.”
Dr. Kádár highlighted the role of stories in resolving tensions. According to the extremely interesting and gripping presentation, everyone can be the fairy tale hero of their own life-story, setting out, fighting with external and internal dragons, and overcoming obstacles. The evening ended with a relaxing sound bath, which was new to many of us.
Saturday focused on the importance of taking stock of our relationships, building and maintaining them. The road to spiritual well-being is paved with good relationships, and our good relationships are what sustain us through the ups and downs of our lives. We need to be alone with ourselves in such a way that we know that when we open the door, there is always someone for us to talk to.
Community resilience is the wellspring of our shared resources and experiences, from which we can always draw, from which we can always recharge. Resourcefulness and resilience can be learned and developed.
In her presentation, Ildikó Balázs Fülöp highlighted that basic first aid can save lives in many cases. She quoted Confucius: "We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” I have already shared with my friends the exercises and useful advice that were presented.
How can we get to the point where we ourselves become examples to follow, role models? The answer varies from person to person, yet there is something general in the recognition and exclusion of disadvantageous patterns, in the ability to feel the need for change and acting upon it.
The meaningful presentations and activities serving our physical and mental well-being were followed by a spiritual session, which helped us to turn our attention not to the outside world, but more inward. We can draw the greatest strength from our “inner room,” our souls. In times of our greatest difficulties prayers and faith as well as trust in providence can be a real resource.
Participant feedback at the end of the program showed that most went away with a grateful heart and with the conviction that they would be able to help themselves. We hope that many will share the experiences, tools, and resources with their women’s associations and congregations, just as we will do with our colleagues, the members of the Gyergyószentmiklós Unitarian Women's Association.
The next training session, organized for the Székelyudvarhely and Székelykeresztúr Districts of the Hungarian Unitarian Church, is planned for February 9-10, 2024.