Chapter Five: Relationships

In Chapter 5 we explore the invisible threads of love, empathy, and shared humanity as we engage the third pillar of the PERMA+ model – Relationships - as a wellspring of resilience and flourishing. Through playshops such as Relationships & Community: Held in the We, Forgiveness: The Threshold to Freedom, and Kindness: Casting a Circle of Care, participants create poetry from one another’s memories, layer collages to release resentment, and craft intention-infused kindness cards. Research shows that strong relationships improve immunity, lower stress, and increase longevity; acts of forgiveness and kindness not only feel good, they change us on a cellular level.

Activities

Poetic Gift exchange

Forgiveness Collage

Creating Kindness Cards

Benefits

Deepens relational skills

Reduces loneliness

Builds safer, more affirming communities