Names as Compasses
A freedom-dreaming workshop
In this workshop, we investigate through memory our association with each part of our personal names—given, chosen or both—following the trajectory of change in their meanings as our relationship to them changes.
I invite you to a ceremony of remembering to relearn the significance of our names, turn to them to find our way forward at this moment, and meet all of ourselves with love.
May it serve you as an entry to explore your identity in its multifaceted, dynamic nature, gently nudging you toward the source of wisdom for your next step: تو/you
What's in a name?
Names are imbued with memories and light. They are felt as weights of ethnic, religious, and national histories. They also offer a way to belong to our families, lineages, communities, and to ourselves. They could also be compasses for all the souls of those who have loved us to find us.
The word remember comes from the Latin re- meaning again, or back to the original place, and membrum, meaning limb, an integral part of a body that helps us move. To remember is to say that something isn’t separate from us, that it is a part of us and we can reach it. In this workshop, we extend our reach to our personal names..
Who is it for?
This workshop is for anyone who is on a journey to understand themselves better and deepen their relationship with themselves. It is ideal for those who have a writing practice.*
Interested?
Write to me if you want to have this workshop at your educational institution or community space. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a psychologist, counselor, therapist, mental health professional, or spiritual director. This workshop is intended as a creative exercise to pause and ponder the questions we carry with us, with curiosity and compassion.
Ideal number of participants
12 maximum
Language of instruction
English
Duration
40 minutes of reading and writing, approximately.
The duration for sharing may differ based on the number of participants present for each workshop.
Requirements
A surface to write on, be it digital or physical.
What's not required
Prior experience of writing, or writing in English language.