When something appears to be broken what do you do? In our present society, we have a cultural habit of simply discarding those things in our world that are broken. Yet, we are encountering more and more people who are suffering from trauma that now affects how they interact in the world. This trauma may be recent or more deeply rooted in the past. It may be a single life event or a series of life events. When left untreated, this trauma can manifest into a disorder known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. When dealing with PTSD, far too many people see themselves as broken or damaged, creating shame as they feel their 'vase' is cracked. But what if we could view those who are dealing with their “cracks” as going through a process of creation- transforming into a new and unique piece of art possible only through having repaired things that were once broken?
The idea of Kintsugi is what John Brix's presentation is about as he details his struggles with dealing with PTSD. John brings the audience through his experience of managing his PTSD from trauma received in the police service, describing his trials and tribulations as well as what tools he used on his path to recovery. This presentation has been touted as emotional and impactful, giving insight to the aspects of PTSD but also relaying that anyone who has experienced emotional trauma can use the philosophies he shares in his presentation. Anyone who has suffered, been broken but yet has repaired themselves is now unique, a priceless work of art, their gold filled fractures making them totally unique. Participants will leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of what others are going through. These skills can be applied in a variety of settings with young and old, in the classroom or the workplace, today and tomorrow.
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. When dealing with PTSD, far too many people see themselves as broken or damaged, creating shame as they feel their 'vase' is cracked. But what if we could view those who are dealing with their “cracks” as going through a process of creation- transforming into a new and unique piece of art possible only through having repaired things that were once broken?
The idea of Kintsugi is what John Brix's presentation is about as he details his struggles with dealing with PTSD. John brings the audience through his experience of managing his PTSD from trauma received in the police service, describing his trials and tribulations as well as what tools he used on his path to recovery. This presentation has been touted as emotional and impactful, giving insight to the aspects of PTSD but also relaying that anyone who has experienced emotional trauma can use the philosophies he shares in his presentation. Anyone who has suffered, been broken but yet has repaired themselves is now unique, a priceless work of art, their gold filled fractures making them totally unique. Participants will leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of what others are going through. These skills can be applied in a variety of settings with young and old, in the classroom or the workplace, today and tomorrow.
