In the heart of Wanathamulla, Sri Lanka, a new exploration unfolds…
As part of the Sudhaar Trust’s after-school initiative, I teach a weekly drama class for children aged 5–16. This program, titled “The Conscious Creators,” blends theatre with mindfulness and yoga to foster confidence, creativity, and authentic expression.
Embracing Authenticity
At the core of our program is a deep belief in embracing authenticity — starting with language. Our mother tongue is where our true identity lies. We encourage expression in your own native language — whether Sinhalese or any other local dialect — without feeling pressured to switch between thinking and speaking.
This approach extends beyond language; it’s about embracing every aspect of who you are authentically — how you move freely without expectations or societal norms. Let go and express yourself fully: roll on the floor laughing, scream as loud as you can from joy, dance with abandon — we want you to shed the layers that stifle genuine expression.
Imagine this: “If you were born new to this world in this moment, how would you want to move?” This question guides us as we help children discover their authentic selves through creative expression.
We begin by honoring what feels most natural for our children without scripts — just overarching storylines that we flesh out together through play and exploration. Once they’re comfortable and confident, we gently push those boundaries by exploring English scripts too.
Decolonizing Creative Expression
Our emphasis on using local languages reflects my journey of decolonizing my own personal creative practices — a process aimed at reclaiming cultural narratives from influences that often prioritize foreign norms over native ones. This journey is reflected in my love for local artists — from the musicians whose music inspires my dance content blending Sri Lankan Kandyan dance with yoga, or Sri Lankan authors whose stories I cherish.
By embracing this approach, we celebrate diversity within unity — encouraging children not just as passive recipients but active contributors shaping narratives relevant both personally and universally across cultures.
To me, decolonizing creative expression means recognizing where true authenticity lies — in embracing one’s native culture while remaining open to broader perspectives when needed without losing sight of its importance. It involves unlearning oppressive habits (no matter how subtle) and learning how to support communities outside our own by simply being present and listening to the voices of said communities. This to me, is the respect we all deserve.
My Journey: A Path to Empowerment
Through my own experiences navigating tech spaces as a creative— I’ve learned firsthand how crucial believing in oneself is for success. I’ve been fortunate enough to find mentors who taught me that I was exactly where I was meant to be — all I needed was the confidence to ask for what I wanted, whether seeking leadership roles or owning new projects.
I want these children to experience this same empowerment through conscious creation — a philosophy rooted in empathy rather than hierarchy; inclusivity rather than exclusivity; creativity rather than conformity; connection rather than isolation — and most importantly — it reminds us all that every individual has something valuable to contribute if given space without fear or judgment.
As the founder of 𝗘𝗢𝗡𝗬𝗫 — a design studio dedicated to human-centered designs through conscious creation — I see this program as an extension of those principles into community development through arts education based on mindfulness principles influenced by the yoga philosophy I have studied (200hr certificated, 6 years practising).
THis theoretical explorations focus on building storytelling skills class by class — from understanding emotions like happiness or anger through various expressions (voice & body language) right down to creating original stories performed live using localized names & characters — fostering imagination free from scripted constraints so young minds flourish creatively!
For those who might be curious, I did want to share the warmup I do with the children every session. Please do take it and share it in teaching spaces or your practice, here is the summary:
A Holistic Approach: Warm-Up Routine
Each session begins with a warm-up routine designed not just physically but mentally:
Check-in: A moment for self-reflection, sharing and connection with the community.
Breathe: in — hold — out (x10) To calm the mind and connect to the present. Stillness and meditation are the first steps to self-soothe and regulate.
Throw away your worries: Inspired by the theatre ragdoll technique but infused with Kundalini yoga practice — the children bring their most immediate thoughts & worries as they bring their hands to their hearts. Then, imagine letting go of those thoughts as they raise their hands above their heads, pushing them away. Finally, release everything while exhaling deeply (lion’s breath), throwing arms and worries down.
Mirroring Exercise: Stretching movements set to music help develop focus and rhythm without needing verbal instructions. We start with general stretches then move on to dancing in a circle together following a leader’s moves — encouraging silliness and joy as we learn from each other; no wrong moves here.
Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar): A more serious practice or sadhana instilling discipline & gratitude towards oneself — a reminder every breath holds potential for renewal
I truly believe these practices are gateways into mindfulness — teaching children how movement can be both therapeutic & transformative.
Ultimately, “The Conscious Creators Program” embodies kindness and openness by celebrating diversity within unity — the power lies within them already; all we do is provide the space for this potential to unfold authentically. Hoping to make a little difference in the little minds that cross our path.
