In my class, stone was more than a hardball of minerals; it represented a step forward in learning sculpture. Many were keen to try working with stones and on a rather languid day an impromptu plan took shape to see stonework in Rajasthan. Sleepy eyed people started their journey some through the bus, some by bikes and some by car. The drowsiness went off in five minutes as babble took over the bus and I witnessed the delight of a picnic done years ago . I was stunned by the snack section...

Many people say art therapy is beneficial for children, teenagers, and teens—and research strongly supports this. But why does it work so well? The reasons are both psychological and neurological, helping explain why art therapy can be especially powerful across different stages of development. 1. Bottom-Up Emotional Processing Most traditional therapies use a top-down approach, relying on verbal expression and logical thinking. However, children and even many teenagers are not always...

Valentine’s Day is marketed as the happiest day for love — yet mental health research suggests it can be one of the heaviest days emotionally. Rates of loneliness, depressive rumination, social comparison, and relationship anxiety often rise in the days surrounding 14th February — particularly among students and young adults. The pressure to feel loved, chosen, and celebrated can intensify existing emotional vulnerabilities. But whether you’re single or in a relationship, this day does not...