Embracing Boundaries: Empowerment vs. Control Using Expressive Art

Empowerment VS Control

Boundary setting is a hot topic on social media right now and we have all seen videos depicting boundaries being defined and crossed. Knowing where our boundaries lie is important for us to have healthy relationships but the nuances of boundary setting are often over simplified. It is crucial to explore these nuances and the stark contrast between setting boundaries for yourself and attempting to control others. Let’s delve into this distinction by integrating affirmations and expressive art activities as tools for empowerment and self-discovery.

Setting Boundaries for Yourself: Empowerment Through Clarity

Definition: Setting boundaries for yourself involves clearly defining what behaviors, actions, or interactions align with your values and contribute positively to your well-being.

Empowerment Affirmations:

• "I honor my needs and set clear boundaries to protect my well-being."

• "My boundaries reflect my self-respect and nurture healthy relationships."

• "I trust myself to assert my boundaries with confidence and kindness."

Expressive Art Activity: Boundary Map

• Materials Needed: Paper, markers or colored pencils, magazines, or images for collage (optional).

• Instructions:

  1. Draw a large circle or shape on the paper to represent yourself.

  2. Inside the shape, write or draw symbols representing your boundaries (e.g., alone time, emotional space).

  3. Around the shape, write affirmations or words that empower your boundary-setting journey.

  4. Optional: Use magazines or images to create a collage that visually represents your boundaries and affirmations.

Impact: By affirming your boundaries and visually expressing them through art, you reinforce their importance and strengthen your commitment to self-care and authenticity.

Controlling Others: Understanding and Redirecting

Definition: Attempting to control others involves manipulating THEIR behaviors or emotions to fulfill YOUR desires, often disregarding their autonomy and emotional well-being.

Affirmations for Redirecting Control:

• "I release the need to control others and focus on nurturing healthy connections."

• "I respect the autonomy and choices of those around me."

• "I find joy in empowering others to express their true selves."

Expressive Art Activity: Release and Renewal

• Materials Needed: Canvas or paper, acrylic paints or watercolors, brushes, water, old magazines or newspapers (optional).

• Instructions:

  1. Start by painting a background that reflects your current feelings about control and boundaries.

  2. Use bold strokes or colors to express emotions about letting go of control.

  3. Tear out images or words from magazines or newspapers that symbolize release and renewal.

  4. Collage these elements into your artwork to create a visual representation of releasing control and embracing empowerment.

Impact: Through expressive art, you can channel emotions related to control into a positive, transformative experience of letting go and fostering healthier relationships.

Embracing Growth Through Boundaries

Affirmations for Growth:

• "I embrace healthy boundaries as a path to personal growth and authenticity."

• "Setting boundaries allows me to prioritize self-care and emotional well-being."

• "I attract positive relationships by respecting my boundaries and the boundaries of others."

At the Soul Development Center, we celebrate the transformative journey of boundary setting as a means of self-discovery, empowerment, and nurturing authentic connections. Incorporating affirmations and expressive art activities enriches this journey, providing powerful tools to affirm boundaries, release control, and embrace personal growth. By embracing the art of setting boundaries with clarity and compassion, we create spaces where authenticity thrives, relationships flourish, and individuals rediscover their inner strength and joy.