“Breaking the cycle” was a training course held in Daugirdiskes, Lithuania focused on bettering the understanding of our mental health. It was a seven day program filled with sessions, all of which focused on different issues that have a lot of impact on our day-to-day life. “Breaking the cycle” helps and encourages people to embrace and work on their mental health and build up emotions.

During this program we learned a lot of techniques that we can use to improve our understanding of ourselves and our behavior. From sessions focused on attachment and trauma to bubble sessions that encourage us to let our inner child out, and enjoy the stress free environment. 

Our experienced organizers Laura and Maja knew how to transfer their knowledge to us and make us feel safe. Opening up to a group of strangers wasn’t easy, it was definitely a challenge. It can be very scary to talk to people about topics that are considered taboo in a lot of cultures. However, with everyone’s loving and accepting approach, by the end of the program, it wasn’t strangers that you’re opening up to, it was family. Surrounded by beautiful nature everyone felt at peace and connected to their soul. Our days consisted of three sessions inside or outside (depending on weather conditions) and meal and coffee breaks in the amazing nature, followed by evening activities which we would organize ourselves.

One of the first sessions we had was very memorable. Each one of us had to go in a circle and share with everyone one thing they like and dislike about themselves. After that, that person would sit in the middle, and with closed eyes they would welcome the kind first impressions everyone had. It was an amazing beginning to the bonding process between all of us. It really is a strange experience when you realize that you are not the only one dealing with those thoughts and problems.

We continued our week with different sessions. Firstly we would hear the theoretic of the topic that was about to be discussed. Afterward, we had questions that we had to answer and share with the group, if comfortable. Hearing everyone’s stories was truly priceless. You get to see a situation through a different perspective; you get to experience and learn through someone else.

The topics were different every day. One of my favorites was a session where we talked about parts work. Parts work was a session dedicated to understanding that there are different parts within yourself. Parts which sometimes can contradict each other and have different needs, very often resulting in doubt and confusion about what it is that you truly want or need. For example, there could be one part of you that feels guilty for leaving a bad situation, while simultaneously a different part within you feels happy and relieved that you are no longer in that situation. It helped me realize that there is more to me than I was aware of. Every session led to a new discovery. Every session brought you one step closer to healing your inner self.

A lot of focus was also put on us connecting with our bodies. We managed to do that with breath working, morning rituals (such as yoga and meditation), dance sessions and much more. It was all about letting go of all the assumptions and critics and letting your body do as it wishes. It was about feeling free. We were encouraged to express ourselves. We would sometimes do that through art as well. It was truly a safe space with no judgment. Every single person was supportive and understanding.      

As it was my first project, I went with zero expectations. My perspective was that I’m going to a new country; I’m going to meet some new people and come home as if nothing had happened. I was proven wrong in so many ways. As it was a really deep topic, I believe that everyone went back home with a new realization. By the end of the project you could feel the connection and openness all around you. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. We left the place with new perspectives and beliefs, new ways of looking at the world and most important, amazing connections. I am not able to express my gratitude enough, for having the chance to participate in a project like this, and of course, I am extremely grateful to the organizers for truly helping me change my outlook on life. 

I would strongly encourage everyone to take part in the Erasmus+ projects. Aside from the memories and connections with people from different cultures, you will have the opportunity to learn so much about yourself, as well as, the opportunity to learn a spectrum of different techniques that can help you in your daily routine.

Andrijana Stavrevska