Pema (the lotus flower) symbolizes resilience, enlightenment, and rebirth. Wellness is the state of mind, that should be the center of our focus, irrespective of how many years we have lived. Emotional, psychosocial, and physical wellbeing should be internalized so we can enjoy the beauty, and beauty is not always beautiful.

CFAW integrates art, movement, nature play, and meditation to foster holistic wellness. Each modality is grounded in person-centered principles, empowering us to express ourselves, heal, and thrive.

Who is this for?

The Pema Project is open to all individuals aged 50 and above, regardless of gender. The program is designed for those who are:

• Open to exploring wellness through creative expression.

• Comfortable with English or Urdu

• Open to exploring internal resistance through emotional conversations

*Prior creative background is not required*

Participant Expectations

Commitment to attendance and engagement for all 8 weeks.

• Completion of a detailed health and wellbeing questionnaire

• Signed consent for the 8-week program

• Background information on any physical health issues for accommodation purposes

• Support from family or other references

About the Program

The Pema Project uses the Indivisible Self Model, a holistic framework that recognizes the self under five key components of wellbeing:

• Creative

• Essential

• Coping

• Physical

• Social

Schedule

Days: Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00AM to 1:00PM

• Week 1: "An Intro to ME": Establishing trust and safety through self-expression.

• Week 2: "An Intro to Being": Art-based emotional expression and connection.

• Week 3: "Coping Self": Understanding existing coping behaviors and coping with mindfulness.”

• Week 4: "A Community of Being": Connecting with a communal mural and other reflection activities.

• Week 5: "States of Being": Focuses on self-advocacy and managing inner dialogue.”

• Week 6: "Relationships in Me": Somatic work, nutrition, and boundary setting.”

• Week 7: "Essential Self": Self-acceptance/compassion

• Week 8: "Closure": Reflection and planning for celebratory exhibition.