At the end of August, a group of young Estonians traveled to the small village of Bujaleuf, France, to take part in the "Hands & Minds" project. This Youth Exchange, organized by Arbre en Fleurs, focused on how activities like painting and clay sculpting can help improve mental health. The goal was simple: to show how creativity can help us feel better and find calm in our busy lives.
The "Hands & Minds" project aimed to help participants connect with themselves through art. Many people today, especially young people, deal with mental health challenges, and the project showed how creating things with your hands can be a way to relax and reflect. By painting, sculpting, and sharing experiences, everyone had the chance to express their feelings and learn something new about themselves.
For Arseni this project was an absolutely great experience: "I met wonderful people from all around the world with their unique hobbies and interests. During this project, I broke my personal record for trying new things, including: handcrafting, various types of meditation, vegan food, yoga, acroyoga, jujutsu, watersports, Bollywood dance, etc."
"Additionally, there were opportunities to play the guitar, gaze at the beautiful star-filled sky, express myself creatively, and have conversations with professional psychologists."
Polina described the project as an important experience for anyone interested in mental health. She appreciated how the project addressed mental well-being and loved the sense of community it created. One of her favorite moments was when the group shared the traditional Estonian "Kaerajaan" dance with the village, which brought everyone together in celebration.
Kärt joined the project because sheâs passionate about the topic. She wanted to use art to connect more with herself, and thatâs exactly what happened. "Through painting and other creative activities, I learned to reflect on my emotions and values. The peaceful environment of the campsite, along with yoga and meditation, helped me feel safe and relaxed." Kärt left the project with new tools to care for her mental health, which she now uses every day.
Mari found the project to be life-changing. "I met people from different backgrounds and enjoyed learning about their cultures. The days were filled with activities like meditation and hiking. One night, after a long hike, the group had a sauna, which was familiar to the Estonian participants but new for many others. I enjoyed sharing this cultural experience with the group and was happy to see everyone participating during the cultural night, dancing and smiling together."
The "Hands & Minds" project wasnât just about art, it was about learning how to take care of our mental health through creativity. It gave everyone a chance to reflect, connect, and relax in a supportive environment.
At Ethos, we believe projects like this can make a real difference. Weâre proud of the Estonian team and the experiences they brought back. Hopefully, this encourages others to explore creativity as a way to care for their mental well-being.
Text: Polina, Kärt, Mari
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