What does transformation mean?
At The Art of Transformation, we believe that art can initiate transformation in humans. But what does transformation really mean? We know the word transformation from the rite of passage, as seen in many Native American societies, where one goes from one stage to another. From child to grown up. In our society today, one of the closest things we get to a rite of passage is confirmation. By doing something specific, you develop, change: Transformed.
The Art of Transformation cannot heal participants from trauma etc. Art cannot remove the pain. But the inward energies of trauma, those that can cause a lot of pain and weigh the person down, can be transformed into a strength that can be used positively in life, among other things to cultivate and nurture yourself as a freer person. The Art of Transformation is about turning the vulnerable and introverted into creative power and personal power, which can be used concretely and in positive ways.
Stefan Green Meinel
Circle of transformation
The circle of dysfunction
If, on the other hand, we allow dialogue to take place by opening ourselves up to others, then the circle of transformation can begin its movement. The circle of transformation is set in motion when you recognize the truth and start the dialogue with yourself and the people around you. Acknowledging truth and starting dialogue are two things in interaction.
However, one of the main points in The Art of Transformation’s agenda is to find language for what is difficult to talk about. We therefore do not deny that the story to be told cannot necessarily be simply described with words as we know them on a daily basis. The art – creativity – is the language strain that The Art of Transformation wants to develop, and through concrete measures, make the new language available to those who want to rediscover their inner resources. Once you open up, you begin to reclaim, or to find, your personal integrity. It happens because you allow the energy of the trauma to be transformed into potential, through art as language. From there, truth and creativity can only be strengthened, and the transformation is therefore ongoing and continuous.
When we talk about trauma being taboo, it is due to rhythms in our society – some, often unconsciously, applied rules which are difficult to break. In the model of the circle of dysfunction, it is described how the dysfunctions caused by the trauma in the person can be constantly recreated when one lacks the opportunity to speak freely about difficult personal experiences, and thus not break with the victim role. This keeps the person in dysfunction.
Taboo is caused by cultural norms: We don’t talk about that. You cannot therefore get out of the victim role, in which you continue to hold yourself, by being tied to the pain – it affects your way of dealing with other people, as well as your self-image. In addition, there is shame, which brings inferiority and loneliness. And that’s how the dysfunctions that can accompany a trauma continue – as long as we can’t take the sting out: As long as we experience not being able to start a dialogue and thus de-tabooing.
