BOWL OF LIGHT

Inspired by an ancient Hawaiian fable, “The Bowl of Perfect Light” project, as adapted by the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, is a steppingstone that can help rebuild and enhance the client’s sense of self-esteem and self-appreciation. The “bowl of light” technique is a small clay bowl accompanied by approximately six to twelve small pea-sized balls of clay called “stones.” Each stone represents a specific “trouble” or “obstacle.” The child is shown paints and other art supplies, which he or she can use to decorate the bowl. Some clients prefer to leave the bowl undecorated. A simple container is provided by the clinician. During the counseling program, a group of specific troubles represented by the stones are identified and put into the container provided by the clinician. At times during the counseling program, the “troubles” might be discussed. When and if the child feels the problem is under control and/or resolved, the ball representing that specific trouble is put into the child’s Bowl of Light,” representing an ability to move forward.

By creating one’s own Bowl of Light, the child becomes an active participant in his or her healing process. The decision to make the bowl gives tangible expression and commitment to the course of therapy. The Bowl of Light, was not shaped by anyone else’s vision but the client, who also shapes the clay “stones” and decides what each represents and when, where and how to move them from one bowl to another. The goal would be to move the stones from the container to the Bowl of Light.

Often, as the child shapes and decorates the bowl, and shapes and identifies the stones or “problems,” they talk about what each item represents, which might be abusive experiences and/or feelings associated with trauma. By talking about their struggles in this way, the children are already taking their first steps toward emptying the stones from the first container to their own beautiful Bowls of Light. Grandma Kaili’ohe Kame’ekua and her vision inspired the birth of the Bowl of Light. Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center clients, by participating in this program, can be guided to find a way to move forward, because, as with all births, growth follows. If the child wants it, the Bowl of Light and the stones goes home at the end of the counseling program, representing accomplishment, growth and hopefully, a positive future.

Discussions about the stones (obstacles/troubles/problems) might include:

• What negative thoughts stand in the way of achieving my goals?
• What are the reasons I hold onto the stones instead of letting them go?
• What will happen if I let the stones go?
• What messages dampen my spirit? (I am not good enough; I am stupid: It is my fault: I should try harder; I should do more).
• What kind of life circumstances do I believe stand in the way of my success and future happiness?

Letting go of the stones does not mean the incident or experience never happened. The basic goal of Bowl of Light therapy is to allow the child to appreciate and permit him or her self to appreciate themselves and their innate goodness by letting go of feelings associated with trauma. Healing and growth come, in part, from respect for oneself.