- Opening (5 mins)
Welcome the participants with Tika + Heart Pins
- Simple Human Knot activity (10 to 15 mins)
- Explanation and Introduction (10 mins)
“Today, we’re going to look at our own rivers—our journeys through life. Like those rivers, we’ve each had moments of calm, turbulence, meeting others, taking new directions. This is a space to honor that journey, reflect on it, and understand it more deeply—before we keep flowing forward.”
Introduction story
The Story of the Two Rivers – A Metaphor for Life
Once, there were two rivers that began high in the mountains. They were born from tiny springs—fresh, excited, full of energy. As they flowed downward, they twisted and turned, danced around rocks, and carved their own path through valleys and forests.
But one of the rivers started to worry.
“Why am I going through so many obstacles? These rocks, these cliffs—what if I’m going the wrong way?”
The second river replied,
“The path is not always easy, but each turn shapes us. The rocks don’t stop us—they make us stronger. Every experience adds to who we are.”
As time passed, both rivers widened. They met other streams, merged with other waters, and carried stories, experiences, and memories along with them. Eventually, they reached the vast ocean.
The first river, now wiser, looked back at its journey and said,
“I now see—it wasn’t just about getting to the ocean. It was about learning how to flow, to adapt, to carry, and to let go.”
Life Journey as a River (40 mins)
Set up a long table / joined tables with joined chart paper which represents a river.
Give participants crayons, sketch pens, paint, etc. and ask them to draw a river representing their lives. As they are drawing, keep asking them different reflective questions about their river and their life as mentioned below. Encourage them to reflect on these aspects and express them in their artwork, either by writing down their answers, or through other forms of art.
Set 1: Pre-Activity Questions — Mapping the Life River
These questions help participants identify the key “landmarks” along their river of life. Think of them as preparing to draw or describe their river journey.
- What are the major bends or turns in your river—moments that changed your direction in life?
- Can you identify calm waters—times of peace or stability in your journey?
- What rapids or waterfalls have you encountered—challenges, struggles, or intense experiences?
- Who or what were the tributaries—people or experiences that flowed into your life and enriched it?
- What obstacles or dams have slowed you down or temporarily blocked your flow?
- Are there forks in your river—choices or decisions that sent you down a particular path?
- What moments felt like reaching a wide, open lake—achievements, fulfillment, or new perspectives?
- Which places along your river would you revisit with gratitude? Which ones would you navigate differently?
- Where would you like to see your river move towards as it flows ahead – what would you like your future to be like?
Reflection Questions (45 mins)
After they have drawn their life rivers, ask them questions about this process and create a space of introspection – individually and collectively.
Set 2: Post-Activity Reflection Questions — Reflecting on the Life River
These help participants process what they’ve shared or drawn, and look ahead with insight and intention.
- How did it feel to map out your river of life?
- What part of your river surprised you the most as you reflected?
- Are there patterns you noticed—repeating currents or themes in your journey?
- What strengths or resources helped you navigate rough waters?
- What have you learned about yourself from the flow of your river?
- How do you view your past now, after seeing it as a river? Has anything shifted?
- If you could send a message downstream to your future self, what would it be?
- What part of your river are you most excited to explore next?
Ending story…
Once, a learned monk came to his students holding a single leaf and asked, “Does this one leaf represent the entire forest?” The students replied, “No.” The monk then said, “The forest is vast—you must seek the knowledge to understand it.” The message was that “while we carry our visible identities everywhere, there is a vast ocean within us that we rarely pause to explore. This session was meant to create that pause—to look within—and we are so grateful that you took the time to do that. We truly appreciate your presence and your effort.”
Ending
End with a song on life. For example:‘Zindagi ki yahi reet hai” and ask everyone to sing along.
Thank you