Within the frame

Today's post is about the frame - a familiar notion for all of us, whether facilitators or not.

In life and work, we encounter frames all the time. Maybe it's your daily routine, setting boundaries with friends, or planning a project at work.

Our life itself is a frame!

The frame is a structure and a guide for exploration. They can be spatial, for example, our living space, temporal - the duration of a meeting, conceptual - cultural beliefs, etc. Frames offer predictability and a sense of safety; they are something to hold on to.

When the frame is too loose, it's like being lost in a big ocean of options. This can make us feel overwhelmed. As a result, we might freeze up and not do anything, or we stick to what we know because it feels safe and familiar.

On the flip side, well-designed restrictions, keeping one or more directions open, most likely allow us to make steps into the unknown without feeling too scared, and open up freedom of discovery, new possibilities that we didn't consider before.

In both expressive arts sessions and daily life, there comes a point when the established frame becomes too restrictive, and it's important to notice it, and as Paolo Knill suggests, "expand the range of play". When creating a frame for someone, it's important to remember that different intensity levels prompt different responses: what's reassuring for some may be overwhelming for others.

Here is a reflection task for you on finding the right balance. Think about parts of your life or work where the frame isn't clear, making it hard to focus and progress, and where the frame feels too tight and holding you back from exploring new ideas and opportunities.

Share your thoughts in the comments on frames and what's important to you when creating them for your work or in your life.

Thanks for reading. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments - what resonated with you, what didn't? Your input helps us grow together.

Considering trying out Expressive Arts? Reach out to me for one-on-one or group sessions.