I created an activity called Reclaiming Your Voice Sunbeams, as a durational art activity for my Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault support group.

With this project I invite survivor support group attendees to identify words and phrases they never got to say, things they deserve to say, things they were scared to say to the person who caused them harm. The activity utilizes a sun with their words being the rays/sunbeams because they are an extension of themselves. Group members are invited to continue adding an a sunbeam with words or phrases every time they attend group.

Because our group is online, folks join whenever they want to from wherever they are. (Our group has reached international levels!) This creates a barrier for everyone getting supplies as well as for everyone being on the same page with the activities. This simple durational activity helps solve that, since all you need is a pen and paper. 

I plan to include a slide in each weekly session to allow for 2 minutes or so of creating an extra sunbeam. I also want to try to be less focused on outcomes and more focused on the journey, and being okay with folks being in all different places. 

The Sunbeams are ways that we can express ourselves–they are extensions of ourselves, and we want those to be as true and authentic as possible. Being able to authentically reclaim what has previously been silenced can be a vital part of the healing journey. With this durational practice, survivors can create their own unique reminder of the group’s support and of the authentic self and voice they are finding and reclaiming each time they attend group.