To give is to receive

The pandemic has not spared any of us on how to deal with uncertainty; change is all around us. But what does it mean to 99 immigrants that have found shelter at the Centro de acogida temporal San Blas, part of the Spanish Red Cross? How can their challenges be transformed into strengths and courage? 

Off we went, prepared and equipped for the session ahead, never foreseeing to find so much more than what we dared to expect.

The solidarity, kindness, generosity, sense of pride, peer-support, and coaching amongst the individuals attending the workshop, turned into real-life lessons for ourselves. 

The stigma that comes with the refugee and migration journey is an additional heavy burden for those who are in need after having to leave their countries due to political and socio-economic reasons. Yet we found individuals feeling empowered, connecting to their own sense of identity and diversity, keen to explore ways to make use of their talents in order to regain a sense of independence and add value to the world around them.

As barriers began to break down, we connected as human beings independent of race, nationality, or socio-economic background. Sincere gratitude was expressed for the simple things and we felt a deep appreciation for the opportunity to build such an authentic connection.

New beginnings 

Using a suitcase as a metaphor on this journey, we worked on the parts of self that individuals would decide to take with them and the ones they would let go of. We looked at what baggage was helpful to move forward and what isn’t? 

This was a fulfilling exercise as it helped change the perceptions people had of themselves, and those that they perceived others had of them, as migrants and refugees. We understood how the global pandemic deeply contributed to making this new life experience even more challenging than expected. Far-away from familiar routines and the culture of their home countries, it became even more difficult to feel at home with so many imposed restrictions.

We discussed the importance of appreciating where we have come from, in order to create space for the road ahead. Acknowledging what has been lost and allowing space for grief was also noted as an essential part of creating more space for a new start.

Transition is a journey 

We began the journey by asking the whole group to close their eyes, take a deep breath and focus on the simplicity of their breath. As the group began to slowly wind down and ground themselves, we knew something had shifted and when the time came to slowly open our eyes, a cloud of uncertainty had lifted from the virtual room and we were no longer a group of strangers, no longer divided between us and them, we were a group of individuals sharing a common ground, a deep desire for meaningful connection during such troubled times.

As a way to work together, we used the power of metaphors to help us simplify the complex. In this case, and for this journey, we imagined ourselves activating our '4x4 drive' to find the inner strength and tools to navigate the bumps on the road. 

The past year with the global pandemic looming above us was a challenging and transitional time for all. But as we laid the ground for a common space, we uncovered that in times of crisis, we all share the same basic fears.

Our collective challenge to find ways to adapt and navigate the unknown most often drives us to discover a stronger version of ourselves in order to make sense of chaos and when possible, giving us the opportunity to build new resources in order to expand our sense of confidence and self.

Although we believe that it is possible to survive and navigate this ever-changing world by reinforcing our inner self, how do you do this in reality when on top of a global pandemic and adapting to a new country you have ended up on the street?

As we asked the group to share their biggest challenges, we discovered a shared strength, yes, they felt fear around money, finding a job, or being able to legally stay in the country, however, and surprisingly, they quickly turned the experience upside down by wanting to help one another, never a sense of victimhood in the room, they encouraged one another to not lose hope, and together believe in the possibility of a better life. 

Setting the self up for progress

Appreciating what is, while imagining and building new possibilities came across powerfully. There was a strong sense of resilience, courage, and hope, and deep gratitude for plenty of things, especially for the shelter offered by the Red Cross, for meeting their basic needs and giving them a place to call home whilst they figure out their next steps.

We looked for ‘psychological tools’ they could pack into their metaphorical suitcase, like trust, resilience, previous achievements, strengths, and gratitude. Then we considered things we would rather take out of the suitcase, things to let go of, like fear and anxiety. 

We explored their dreams. Some wanted to rebuild something similar to what they had left behind, like the hairdresser from Brazil who imagined a new life where he could finally open his new salon and do the work he knows he is good at and that he loves...

As we reached the end of the session, we spontaneously decided to go around the room to share our appreciation for one another and shared a virtual abrazo (hug). Although we never expected to find a silver bullet to their delicate situation, we did realise that by creating a safe space where individuals can feel connected, explore new ideas, and be heard, a sense of possibility is possible.

With love,

Alexandra & Els