Connecting with My Core Self and Transforming Power

By Rhaka Katresna, an intern at Peace Place in Pati teaching in the AVP-based preschool and supporting AVP and PoG training

Creating Cultures of Peace at Peace Place, Pati; Wiwit, Jati, Wilson, Rhaka, Giyarto, and Royan March 2022 (Peace Place Pati Documentation)

I began working in Peace Place in Pati, Central Java on 23 January 2022. We prepared through mutual discernment, discussion of living expenses, and ways to handle crises related to my trauma. Since I have been traumatized, one little trigger can cause big difficulties in my work and life. We made a list of do’s and don’ts to treat trauma, making Peace Place more trauma-informed and supportive.

List of do’s and don’ts:

When trauma is triggered, take time and space to release emotion and process trauma memories.
Look for assistance and company when needed.
Take the chance to learn and gain insights from trauma.
Respect and validate people experiences of trauma and boundaries

Don’ts

Invalidate emotion and memories of trauma

The daily routine of my internship is simple. In the morning, I help the teachers Wiwit, Nanik, Ninok, and Sulis in the Joglo Preschool by accompanying the children, making observation notes, and documenting activities. I then have time to practice somatic movement with the children every Friday. Each weekday when school is over, I participate in the teachers meeting to share what we noticed, learned, and want to do the next day. In the afternoon, I work in the Peace Place office for administrative, publications, and organizing AVP – Creating Culture of Peace workshops and Power of Goodness events.

Life in Pati was challenging at first. When I heard the story of parents who mistreated special needs children, I got upset. I remembered the abuse I experienced as a child. Even though I’m away from the stressful situations in my family, my body recreates that distress and rigid reactions.

I focused on maintaining my physical condition and on the work at hand. I spent time dancing to explore my trauma triggers. Support and care from good companionship reminded me that the original traumatic events are over. I have begun to regulate my response, release my emotions, lead myself into patterns of ease, and finally speak the truth that comes clear. The struggle with trauma is not over in one companion group session. Healing occurs gradually in a safe place like Peace Place.

I am learning to facilitate the AVP-Creating Cultures of Peace special topic series. We reflect on case studies and daily practice. Petrus shared how Creating Cultures of Peace has changed the lives of so many people. I learned that the process of peace happens organically. It’s natural and somatic, achieved through activity, reflection, and play.

Nanik also provides a comprehensive platform for me to learn about the AVP-based preschool curriculum. Joglo Preschool has given me an opportunity to practice somatic education with children. I enjoy doing movement with the children and observing what we can learn by dancing and playing together. At night after school, I review material and take notes on important things I learned.

I have also engaged with other local communities. Wiwit and I started a mental health support community in Pati named Welas Asih, which means Compassion. To our surprise, we were invited to the City’s House of Representatives to speak about mental health issues in Pati. We advocated for a bill for people with disabilities, especially people with mental disabilities. I voiced my experience, advocating for the mental health care system from Bandung West Java. Petrus told about his experience accompanying his cousin to a mental health rehabilitation center. Other mental health survivors and caregivers voiced their experiences and trials regarding mental health services in Pati. We got appreciation from local social workers, mental health survivors, and caregivers.

Through all these enormous events in Pati, I find myself more connected with my core self and moved by Transforming Power. Being called to a place that helps me be my full self is a blessing. I can feel the innermost part of myself, which I’ve longed for – for a very long time. Overflowing, positive emotions are coming up that I can’t describe. When I run with the stream of those emotions, I notice relief, liberation, and the gifts of life. I look at myself as a person who dances with grace and enthusiasm. I am grateful.