WORDS IN MOTION
Questions of Mastery
Often, this sounds something like: “I work with many individuals who have lived through similar experiences, some not as far along in their healing process as you are. Is there any advice you would want me to pass along to them?”
We pass along their advice to the next person we photograph - the words stay in motion.
Judith Herman writes in her book, Trauma and Recovery, “The sharing of the trauma story therefore serves a purpose beyond simple ventilation or catharsis; it is a means toward active mastery.”
By asking questions of mastery, we can honor and share lived experiences. These inquiries open space for reflection and connection, inviting individuals to support others who may be navigating similar journeys .Over the years, we’ve gathered responses and advice from the people we’ve met, often through our work in art and journalism—passing them along to the next person encountered; their words kept in motion.
My fight has been to stay open after this kind of grief. Everything in you wants to close, to harden up. Sometimes that is the only fight we need to cling to: you fight to open.
The world isn’t better off without you. And this isn’t your fault. Write that down, keep it close, say it over and over. Someday you’ll believe it.
People ask, “How are you doing?”
I’ve learned to say: “I’m carrying it.”Because that’s what it is— something you carry with you. It doesn’t go away, but you find ways and people to hold it with you.
“Find motion. The body wanted to collapse, fold in on itself - memories and bones. I decided to move. I started walking, I started running. I just kept moving.
Yes, it does help finding people who’ve been through what you’ve been through. Yes, it does make things a little less lonely. It makes us feel less insane. Talk to them - they will listen.
Co-conceptualized and created by Jenny Stratton, Sarah Blesener, and a growing archive of shared experiences and advice contributed by over 40 participants to date.