Opposite Emotion

Instructions: (a little bit of DBT) Fold a piece of paper in half. On one side of the paper draw an emotion or action and on the other side the opposite emotion or action.

Discussion: Share the two emotions or actions and discuss the behaviors associated with them. Try to focus on the opposite emotion or action when you feel stressed, angry, or depressed. Discuss how “opposite action” can help individuals work through issues, confront situations, deal with distressing emotions, and engage in activities that they might otherwise avoid.

As usual I made a collage with images I found online. Although I don't encourage bottling up your authentic feelings sometimes accepting them might lead to feeling the opposite. In some cases not talking about your negative feelings makes them go away. Psychologists have a hard time establishing an accord on the matter. So every time I feel fear, sadness and anger I will accept them or think of things that make me feel the opposite emotion and then feel the respective opposite emotion.

Golden Egg

Instructions: Discuss the meaning of the golden egg. In yoga practices it often means being enlightened, the supreme highest self. One’s inner voice that is always calm and perfect, and connected to “the true self.” Next draw a golden egg or an enlightened figure/symbol of yourself.

Discussion: Discuss your associations to the egg and/or figure. Share the type, size, and color of the egg or symbol. Goals include self-awareness and exploration of ways to attain inner peace and knowledge.

I have drawn an egg which is similar to traditional Easter eggs in my country to help express my nationality and status. Nothing out of the ordinary, just bold colours on a grey background which goes to show the power of colour in fighting off depression.