Hope Tree Activity

What is a Hope Tree?

Activity aim:

To take a moment to reflect on the idea of hope and hopelessness and to consider the actions we can take towards achieving the things we hope for and what strengths we may draw on in times of hopelessness.

Procedure:

Hope is a feeling of expecting or desiring a particular thing to happen and can be experienced as joyful or as emotionally painful.

Having hope and an expectation that we can achieve our goals and move towards our dreams and having the resources and motivation to take the necessary steps, is what we may think of when we feel hopeful. However, we can quickly lose this hope and begin to feel hope-less when it seems that the barriers and challenges are too great for us to overcome. Also hoping for something to change without any action to accompany it, can keep us stuck.

Today you are invited to reflect on a challenging goal or dream, big or seemingly small, that you have achieved and share what kept you going in those moments when you lost hope and felt hope-less?

AND / OR

Reflect on something you have hoped for and share an action you can take in the next 24-hours towards achieving this.

Write on the paper and pen provided what kept you going and/or an action you will take and place it in the box provided and a volunteer will place it on the Hope Tree to be shared with all. Alternatively, write these ideas down and take them with you to support your wellbeing and a sense of hopefulness.