For this workshop I had my partner do the “Cup of Gratitude” activity. I chose this activity for my partner because he typically works in a stressful environment at work and I wanted to bring a sense of calmness to his mind and space by doing this workshop which I felt can alleviate some of that day to day stress.

For this activity I had my partner first take deep breaths in and out and set the space with relaxing music before we began the journaling portion of this activity. During the journaling portion he was able to reflect and write down all the things that bring him joy and love. During the writing, he said, “I felt calm and reflected back on those around me that I care about and love.” 

After the writing portion he was able to begin the drawing part of the activity where he was given the option to use markers, crayons, colored pencils, or anything else to decorate, draw, or write on his cup of gratitude anything that brings him happiness or sparks joyful memories. In his drawing he chose to work with colored pencils and draw images that reflect on his memories of me and his dog that he said bring him the most peace. He also chose specific colors when it came to the drawing portion using warm and cool tones to represent the night and day. He said doing this made sense to him because that’s when he gets to spend time with us.

Overall, he felt that this activity was very intuitive and reflective and gave him a sense of calmness and joy. Doing an activity like this one, allows one to remember all the things they are grateful for.