Containment

A safe space invites the inner child to be present.

If one provides a safe space and a suitable medium when there is an emotional need, and if one approaches the space with sincerity, turning inward, seeking it, something will come, because it wants to. The containing creative space is not only a private and personal quiet space, but is also determined by how one approaches the space. It is a space between conscious and unconscious, between day and night. As an in-between space, it is a symbolic space.

The container and the unfolding process are inseparable from each other, like the fetus in the womb. A small idea is allowed to unfold gradually. By giving shape to one’s inner turmoil and then engaging with the content, one projects more and more into the image. When one is in the grip of an intense emotion, the expression of the mood brings containment and inner alignment. I would now like to trace key aspects of this creative space and its unfolding content by drawing from the story, The Legend of the Indian Paint-brush by Tomie DePaola.

The Indian Paint-brush

Little Gopher was an unusually small boy and could not keep up with the boys of his tribe. But he had a gift of his own, he liked to make and decorate things. He was different. When he grew older, he often went to the hills to think about becoming a man. One day, he had a vision of an old man and a young woman, bringing paintbrushes and a buck skin. The old grandfather told him that these were the tools which would help him find his own place in the tribe. The maiden told him to find a white buckskin and to paint a picture as pure as the colours of the evening sky.

As time went by, Little Gopher found the white buckskin and collected berries and stones, but could not find the right pure colours. However, he did not give up, but continued to search, even though he longed to ride out with his friends; he remained true to his vision. Then, one night a voice told him that if he went to the hills the following night, he would find what he needed. Arriving on the hills the next evening at sunset, he found brushes with paint on the ground, each a pure colour of the sunset. He painted his picture and carried his painting back to his people, leaving the brushes where he found them. The next morning, the brushes had turned into flowers, and from then on, it returned every spring, and Little Gopher received a new name.

“If all goes well, the solution, seemingly of its own accord, appears out of nature. Then, and only then, is it convincing. It is felt as ‘grace.'” CG Jung

Little Gopher is troubled and he goes to the quiet of the hills to seek help and guidance from the unconscious. He goes at dusk, the time space between day and night, an in-between space. He withdraws to a high place, he is sincere, he reaches out, and receives a vision with a task and a promise. Devotedly he does as he is told, and it is not easy. But he is patient and believes in his dream, stays with his dream. This period of trying and grappling is an important period of incubation. When the time is ripe, help comes from the other side. It seems fantastic, but he accepts this unusual solution and the outcome is life-changing renewal; he receives his true name. By giving your inner content shape, it enters the world. By relating to it, you will be influenced to change and become more of who you are.