I felt that each of us participants were equally valuable. Because there were many different activities, they were diverse, and everyone could express themselves in different kinds of work. Dance, drawing, poetry, singing, acting and so on. In this way each participant had the opportunity for self-expression and to receive recognition precisely in the area that was closer to them, that was their strong side. I didn’t feel any competition or rivalry at all, which very often happens in groups, and this usually frustrates me. The atmosphere of our group was such that where you wanted to express yourself – there was space and place for this, where you wanted to take a more passive role and let others lead – there was also the possibility to stay quiet or be in the role of observer, enjoying how others expressed themselves. This gave me a sense of self-worth that I now bring into my life, work and relationships. To rely on my strengths, not compare myself to others, to see precious treasure in myself, as well as in others. We are all just different types and colours of precious stones.

I gained invaluable experience of acceptance – being accepted for who I am, regardless of who I am, what I do for work, what I accomplish, and what kind of character I have. This was the most important thing. People didn’t care about my history, profession, my achievements – they saw me as a human being and accepted me here and now. All the learning that happened there, it doesn’t matter so much what exactly we did, it could have been anything at all, even studying mathematics – it was just a pretext for joint activity. Because the most important thing for me happened in the background – it was the character of our interaction, an interaction that was healing. It was the open eyes and souls of the teachers, who always look at you, ready for any of my reactions, who notice every emotion of mine, and don’t turn away because it might be difficult or painful but live through it with me. Maybe this is unconditional love?”