Another element of the “body tracing” experience is “making masks”. An extension of the body tracing process, multiple masks are made. This exercise paralleling our weekly discussion of "How do you feel today", wherein they identify their feelings, each session, week after week. Utilizing a mirror that names a range of emotions, a “menu” of feelings is available while the group members gaze at the mirror. Additionally we utilize a feeling chart that identifies a wide range of emotions, some with big words that younger children can't read, but the picture are an accurate reflection of their emotions (often we rename the pictures on the chart, using their nomenclature). Then a session is devoted to drawing masks out of paper plates, expressing the range of emotions that have been part of prior sessions or that they choose on the day that we do the masks! They are each given a pile of plates suggesting that they can make many masks (Steve Porges uses six hallmark emotions in his research; after spending a week at his lab in Chicago, four years ago, I incorporate these in the “making-mask” exercises).
The masks can be used to reflect group members’ internal states, or for other psycho-educational purposes such as teaching emotions and heightening awareness of self and other, for those challenged in this area. This is especially useful when teaching children to "read their parents". I'll say "we often know when our parents are getting angry at us...yet...sometimes...we don't stop our behavior" (they giggle) then we role play this, and the masks can help us to S.T.O.P., an acronym for a mindfulness technique used to teach children and parents-- S. stands for "stop", T. stands for "Take a look", O stands for "observe", P stands for "proceed.”
This mindfulness technique, developed by Kabot Zinn, who’s famous quote “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” is a philosophy for all of us to incorporate into our lives.
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