Chapter Five: Relationships

In Chapter 5 we explore the invisible threads of love, empathy, and shared humanity as we explore  the third pillar of the PERMA+ model - Relationships - as a wellspring of resilience and flourishing. Through evocative playshops such as Relationships: Held in the We, Forgiveness: Threshold to Freedom and Kindness: Casting a Circle of Care, participants engage in story exchange, symbolic artmaking, and compassion-based rituals that deepen connection to self and others. As participants create poetry from one another’s memories, layer collages to release resentment, and craft intention-infused kindness cards, they don’t just reflect on relationships - they repair them. In the process, we learn 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. Each playshop weaves together movement, memory, meditation, and making. Creative activities are scaffolded with ritual, deep listening, and poetic framing, offering a sense of reverence and play. With paint, paper, memory, and voice, we explore how creative practice can strengthen the invisible threads that tie us together, and ultimately back to ourselves. Participants practice empathy, embodied care, and embrace the joy of true connection.

Activities Include:

Poetic Gift exchange

Forgiveness Collage

Creating Kindness Cards

Key Benefits:

Deepens relational skills

Reduces loneliness

Builds safer, more affirming communities