When participants entered the room, they were welcomed by a powerful sight—the hand-stitched map of Artsakh now proudly displayed on the wall. This meaningful work stood as a testament to their resilience, unity, and enduring love for their homeland. Although this profound project had reached its completion, psychotherapist Dr. Anahit Lalayan was ready to guide the group toward new paths of expression and healing.
The session began with a reflective exercise: participants imagined their emotions as clouds, while visualizing their inner strength as an umbrella—offering both protection and comfort. This simple yet deeply symbolic activity inspired thoughtful and personal responses, revealing the unique emotional landscapes of each individual.
Dr. Lalayan then invited the group to remember the mandala therapy sessions once held in Artsakh—a memory that stirred warmth and enthusiasm. Together, the participants agreed that this practice should become a regular part of their therapeutic journey, honoring a tradition that had once brought them peace and connection.
As gentle music filled the room, participants began coloring new mandalas—each line a meditation, each color a reflection of the heart. Afterward, they shared their experiences and emotions, weaving together a collective sense of understanding and support. These new mandalas were gathered to form the beginning of a new archive—continuing the tradition once rooted in Stepanakert, now renewed with hope and solidarity.
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