It is no secret that mental health difficulties are on the increase.
Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji highlights how the mind is in pain from a constant bombardment of thoughts. When Without Shape Without Form’s touring exhibition, Journey of the Mind, visited Birmingham last year, it provided insights into just how true this was for people. Showcasing humanity, sevadaars were humbled to spend hours at a time with visitors who openly expressed the pain in their lives…in their minds. It was the power of the art, corresponding texts and Gurbani in the exhibition that resonated with these individuals even if they had never engaged with either art or Sikhi before. It invited people to self-reflect to a point where they could no longer hide from themselves. How could they when the exhibition itself so openly and prominently speaks about mental health difficulties. In doing so, it fights against the negative stigma and taboo around speaking about such pivotal issues that are often silenced.
It was at the exhibition that visitors were told about a universal solution to their distress – Simran.
Many were desperate to find out more about Simran and how to do actually do it. Given that bhalla (betterment of others) is in our genes, we naturally listened to the community’s request. Ad-hoc, we developed a Simran workshop in a room within the Library of Birmingham that was bursting at its seams with people whom wanted to adopt the solution to their pain. For many, this introduction to Simran was the beginning of bringing light into the darkness of their worlds. It was humbling to see people of all diverse backgrounds engaging with Simran, truly reflecting how universal the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are. The power of Simran was witnessed by the sheer fact that these workshops continued on a weekly basis for several months even after the exhibition in Birmingham had finished. Kirpa.
Knowing the importance of sharing the technique of how to do Simran we have developed a video dedicated to just that, the method of doing Simran: watch here
Upon realising how much people had felt voiceless and wanted to talk about their pain, we felt it was pivotal to meet the people of Glasgow, the next city on our tour. Having set up an interactive and engaging stall at the Glasgow Mela earlier this year, we engaged with many to share the message of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and to hear the plight of others. A deeper connection developed with the community of Glasgow, enabling us to tailor our upcoming public programming events to meet the needs of those suffering, so they too can begin their journey towards peace and happiness.
The teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are, after all, for everyone, regardless of faith, gender, ethnicity, class or social background. The universal truth for all. The solution towards mental wellbeing.
Journey of the Mind is continuing its journey across the country with the next two stops in Glasgow and Bristol.
This unique exhibition will be at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow from 6 – 23 October and at the Arnolfini in Bristol from 5 November – 4 December.
For more information on the exhibition and other supporting events please visit: https://www.withoutshapewithoutform.com/journey-of-the-mind