Just before the end of the year, I facilitated a version of the AWBW Absorb and Release workshop with two young adults at Safe Place for Youth. S.P.Y. supports young people experiencing homelessness through healing art programming and other services. Both of these individuals had moved far from home, landing in Los Angeles. Both have difficult relationships with family members, and both are navigating life largely on their own. 

Instead of focusing on the Covid period, this workshop focused on the year 2025. Because of the uncertainty many now feel regarding ICE raids, the threat of losing benefits, and the tone of the nation in general, they were encouraged to recall thoughts, feelings and events that challenged them over the past 12 months. There was a variety of acrylic and water combinations to be absorbed in sponges and released, though participants used markers as well to create their designs on paper.

One participant had experienced losses when she tried her hand at day trading. Her art tells a story of challenge, followed by financial loss, then the hope of rising again with increased wisdom. It’s a positive take on mistakes made, with lessons learned.

The other participant felt that through the events of 2025, he actually found a new sense of balance. He broke with family in Florida to move west, searching for his own true path. His art acknowledges this and actually thanks the year for challenges that brought him to a new, stronger place. He said that he is hopeful that this year he’ll be even more clearly focused on his goals.

Both participants shared an understanding that how they interpret the events in their lives is empowering.