Journal

Unveiling the Magic of Art Therapy for Kids

Nadya Sharfina · March 5, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Art therapy accommodates the creative process with psychotherapy, allowing for self-discovery and comprehension."

Expressive art therapy can be a powerful and beneficial tool for children of all ages. Through art activities, they can learn to explore their emotions and gain insight into their inner lives. Art therapy aims to provide children with an outlet for expression and to help them cope with complicated feelings. Art therapy can also be particularly helpful for children who have experienced trauma, as it allows them to process their emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive manner.

When combined with counselling, art therapy can provide children with the tools they need to improve their mental and physical health. Through art activities, children can explore their feelings in an accepting and non-judgmental environment where they can express themselves without fear of criticism or reprimand.

Introducing and Creating a Safe Space for Expressive Art Therapy

Expressive art therapy is a process that encourages children to explore their emotions and experiences through art. It is based on the idea that art activities can help children identify and express feelings, thoughts, and ideas that they may not be able to verbalise.

During art therapy sessions, the therapist will provide art materials such as paints, clay, paper, markers, and other creative tools for the child to work with. Art therapy needs to be done in a safe and comfortable environment. This means that art activities should be conducted in an area where children can feel secure and free from distractions.

The therapists should create an atmosphere free of judgment and encourage self-expression through art rather than focusing on the final product. They will also offer guidance and support to help the child understand their art better.

Different Types of Art Therapy Techniques

Expressive art therapy techniques are varied and can be tailored to meet children’s individual needs. Painting, drawing, sculpting, music, and dance are all art forms that can be used in art therapy sessions.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to approach art therapy. Instead, art activities should be structured around a certain topic or goal. Through art activities such as creating art with clay, painting abstract art, or making collages, children can learn how to better understand themselves and their emotions.

Mental Benefits of Expressive Art Therapy for Kids

Besides helping children develop a better understanding of their emotions, art therapy can also help children understand the emotions of those around them, improve problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in themselves.

Expressive art therapy can be used to work through traumatic experiences or difficult emotions. Children can benefit from improved mental health, better communication skills, enhanced self-awareness, reduced stress levels and increased resilience.

Physical Development Using Various Art Modalities

Art can help improve motor skills and hand-eye coordination as art activities require children to use both hands and different parts of their bodies to create art. It can provide an outlet for physical expression which helps children to become more aware of how their bodies move in certain ways. This awareness often leads to an improved understanding of how their emotions manifest physically and how those feelings impact their behaviour.

This therapy is especially beneficial for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), attachment issues, trauma, or learning disabilities.

Encouraging Creative Exploration at Home

Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

Parents can also benefit from art therapy by encouraging creative exploration at home. This means providing children with art supplies or other materials that allow them to express their creativity. Parents can also take the time to sit down with their children and discuss their artwork together. Doing so helps validate the child’s feelings while allowing them to discuss whatever emotions they may have felt when creating it.

When engaging in art therapy at home, parents should remember that there is no right or wrong way for a child to express themselves through art. Creating art should be a fun and positive experience that allows children to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. With this approach, parents can help their children gain emotional self-awareness and improve communication skills.

Toxic Marvels: Human Venom Production and Its Startling Implications

Nadya Sharfina · February 28, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Recent research into kallikreins – an enzyme in humans that is also found in snakes, scorpions, spiders and other venomous creatures."

It may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but humans could one day be capable of producing venom. This fascinating scientific discovery has implications for both the medical and biological fields. Recent research into kallikreins – an enzyme in humans that is also found in snakes, scorpions, spiders and other venomous creatures – has opened up a new realm of possibilities when it comes to understanding how humans can produce their own unique type of venom. It is the beginning theory for potentially venomous humans.

From vampire bats with toxic saliva to platypuses with spurs on their hind legs, there are many examples of animals using venom for various purposes. But what about humans? Could we too be capable of wielding our own form of chemical weapon? The answer may surprise you! Read on to learn more about this incredible science behind humans being able to produce their venom.

Overview of Venom and Its Uses in Nature

In nature, venom serves a variety of important roles. From delivering powerful neurotoxins to immobilizing prey, venom has many uses and is incredibly effective when it comes to capturing or killing intended targets. Different species have evolved different versions of venom depending on their surroundings and what they need to do to survive. This adaptation of venom based on prey type and environment allows for increased hunting success and survival of the species.

For example, in the Sahara Desert floor where snakes hunt mostly mice, the venom acts mostly on the circulatory system as it is not difficult for a snake to track a dying mouse a short distance on flat ground. In nearby Rocky Mountains, where the snakes hunt mainly lizards, the venom is a potent neurotoxin because if the prey is not quickly immobilized, it can easily escape into a crack and be hidden away.

How Humans Might be Capable of Producing Their Own Venom

With the discovery of kallikreins in humans, scientists have found that humans are capable of producing their own unique type of venom. Kallikreins are proteins secreted by cells in many tissues and organs including skin, glands, and nerves.

The most commonly known form of human-produced venom is saliva which contains several kallikrein proteins that can have toxic effects. While humans do not have venomous fangs or claws like some animals, the toxic compounds present in our saliva are enough to cause pain or even death if ingested in large amounts.

Possible Uses for Human Venom

Scientists are not sure yet what other potential uses humans may be able to find for their venom, but they are hopeful that it could be used in the medical field. For example, researchers have theorized that venom-based drugs could potentially be used to target specific tissues or cells, such as cancer cells, and destroy them without harming other healthy tissues. It is also possible that humans may find new uses for their venom in areas such as pest control.

Ultimately, there is still much more research to be done before humans can take advantage of their venom production capabilities. However, this recent discovery certainly opens up an exciting new realm of possibilities when it comes to humans and their relationship with nature. Who knows what else we may uncover about our incredible bodies and the world around us?

Concluding Thoughts on Humans and Venom

Humans have a remarkable ability to understand and manipulate their genetic makeup, and this research into humans producing venom is certainly pushing the boundaries of science. Even though there are still many unknowns when it comes to humans producing venom, we can already see potential applications for medical treatments.

Humans may one day find themselves with an entirely new form of protection or even be able to use venom-based drugs to treat serious illnesses such as cancer. For now, all that is left to do is wait and see what will come from these groundbreaking discoveries about humans and venom.

The Dark Legacy of Pol Pot’s Terror Reign

Nadya Sharfina · February 27, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge were responsible for the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million to 3 million people in what has been referred to as The Killing Fields."

Pol Pot was one of history’s most notorious dictators, ruling Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 during the Cambodian Genocide. During his reign, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge were responsible for the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million to 3 million people in what has been referred to as ‘The Killing Fields’, where millions of Cambodians were forced to work in the countryside without mercy – suffering from starvation, dehydration, exhaustion and illness.

His rule ended when Vietnamese forces invaded Cambodia in 1979. He fled and lived out much of his remaining years on the Cambodian border with Thailand. In 2001, a tribunal was established by the Cambodian government to try leaders of the Khmer Rouge but Pol Pot evaded justice due to his death in 1998.

This article takes a look at Pol Pot’s rise and fall – from political beginnings until his ultimate demise – to explore how such a dark period could have ever occurred.

Pol Pot’s Early Years

Photo by the Guardian

Pol Pot was born Saloth Sar on May 19th, 1925 in Prek Sbauv village near Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He was the eighth of nine children born to relatively prosperous parents. He attended a Buddhist monastery as a child and later studied radio technology. He adopted the name “Pol Pot” which means ‘brother number one’ or ‘great brother’ – an homage to his leadership role within the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK).

Pol Pot’s Ideology and Political Beginning

Pol Pot began his political career as a student in Paris in the late 1940s, where he was introduced to communism and Marxist–Leninist ideology. He was a fervent supporter of Marxist ideology and believed in the need for Cambodia’s economic, social, and political transformation. During this time, Pol Pot developed a vision of a utopian society based on agrarian communism, where Cambodia would be transformed into a self-sufficient, egalitarian society. Pol Pot’s commitment to Marxism would soon lead him back to Cambodia, where he aimed to put his ideas into practice.

He returned to Cambodia in 1953 and joined the communist movement that had recently formed in the country. His platform was heavily influenced by Marxist-Leninist thinking, advocating for socialist policies such as nationalization, collectivization, and an agricultural economy. In addition to implementing Marxist policies in Cambodia, Pol Pot also sought to create solidarity between neighbouring countries that shared similar communist ideals.

The Cambodian Genocide and Its Victims

Photo by Sam D’Cruz on Adobe Stock

In 1960, Pol Pot and other members of CPK had become increasingly influential in Cambodian politics, eventually taking control of the government in 1975 with Pol Pot’s appointment as Prime Minister. During the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror with Pol Pot firmly at its head, they implemented ‘Year Zero’ policies which included forced labor camps for those perceived as traitors or enemies of the regime. This led to what has become known as ‘The Killing Fields’. This was one of the darkest times in modern history with an estimated 1.5 million to 3 million people reported dead from execution, starvation, overwork, and torture.

This genocide was primarily seen as Pol Pot’s attempt at creating a pure agrarian society by forcibly removing educated city dwellers and people of different nationalities from Cambodia. Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge forces were responsible for committing most of these atrocities. This was one of the most devastating genocides in human history.

The Fall of Pol Pot and Legacy

Photo by Nastya Tepikina on Adobe Stock

Pol Pot’s rule ended abruptly when Vietnamese forces invaded Cambodia in 1979. He eventually died in 1998 under mysterious circumstances. It is widely believed that he died from natural causes. However, some historians suggest that he might have committed suicide or been poisoned since he was supposedly going to be turned over to Cambodian officials to face justice for his crimes.

The legacy of Pol Pot is one of tragedy and horror. His rule was marked by extreme violence, oppressive policies, and mass executions that killed millions. He had no remorse for his actions as evidenced by his final interview where he denied any involvement in the genocide despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. His death ended a dark period in history but left behind countless victims who were scarred physically and emotionally from their experiences during Pol Pot’s time as a leader of Cambodia. The world should never forget what happened under Pol Pot’s regime, so we can ensure nothing like this ever happens again.

Travel Through Time to the Pyramids of Egypt

Nadya Sharfina · February 23, 2023 · Leave a Comment

"From Khufu’s Great Pyramid at Giza to Pepy II’s pyramid at Saqqara, these structures remain some of the most impressive feats of engineering ever accomplished by human hands."

For centuries, the majestic pyramid structures of ancient Egypt have captivated the imaginations of people around the world. These monumental tombs were constructed as monuments to honour pharaohs and their families, while also serving as symbols of power and stability in Egyptian society.

For thousands of years after their construction, these massive monuments were unrivalled in height and fascinated us with their astounding mass and unachievable perfection. From Khufu’s Great Pyramid at Giza to Pepy II’s pyramid at Saqqara, these structures remain some of the most impressive feats of engineering ever accomplished by human hands.

Join us on an incredible journey through time as we explore the history and mystery surrounding Egypt’s iconic pyramids.

Overview of Ancient Egyptian Pyramids

The pyramid structures of ancient Egypt were built by the great pharaohs of the Old Kingdom period. These monuments served as burial tombs for the pharaoh and their families and represented immense power and stability within pyramid-building societies.

The three pyramids of Giza – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure – are perhaps one of the most iconic pyramid complexes in ancient Egypt. Built during a span from roughly 2550 to 2490 B.C., these pyramids are believed to have been constructed by thousands of labourers who quarried, cut, transported, and assembled an estimated approximately 2.3 million blocks (weighing an average of 2.5 to 15 tons) of limestone and granite.

Ancient Egyptians’ Beliefs and Religion

The pyramid structures of ancient Egypt have long been associated with beliefs surrounding death, rebirth, and the afterlife – beliefs that were deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian religion. In this society, where life on Earth was often seen as a brief passage between the eternal realms of life and death, pyramid-shaped tombs were believed to be vehicles by which the deceased could ascend into the afterlife.

It is thought that pyramid structures served both religious and political purposes, offering protection for pharaohs in their journey through the afterlife while also functioning as impressive reminders of their power during their lifetime.

Pyramid Construction & Technology

The pyramid construction began in earnest during the Fourth Dynasty when King Sneferu (2575-2465 BC) first introduced a pyramid shape for royal tombs—a dramatic shift from earlier tomb designs.

Through experience gained from building pyramids at Dahshur and Meidum, pyramid builders developed better techniques to construct these massive structures, including accurately levelling the pyramid’s base, lining up its sides with true north, and creating smooth slopes that rise to meet at a single point.

While some scholars believe that the ancient Egyptians used pulleys and levers to move the stones into place, others suggest they may have employed more creative methods, such as water basins, sleds, and earthen ramps to construct the pyramid.

Mystery and Allure Surrounding the Pyramids

Although pyramid construction ended with the death of King Pepi II, the Second King of the Sixth Dynasty, these monuments remain shrouded in mystery. Some have suggested that pyramid structures were built by advanced aliens or had supernatural powers, while others believe they served some sort of religious purpose.

What secrets do they hold about ancient Egyptian society? Are they evidence of a lost civilisation or are they simply impressive architectural reminders of a great and powerful culture that rose, flourished, and ultimately declined along the banks of the Nile River? Only time will tell as we continue to unravel their mysteries.

Exploring Egypt’s Iconic Pyramids Today

Today, pyramid structures are still a major tourist attraction in Egypt, attracting millions of visitors each year. From guided tours and private excursions to camel rides and hot-air balloon trips, modern travellers have no shortage of ways to explore these iconic monuments. Additionally, many ancient Egyptian religious practices and beliefs continue to influence modern-day spirituality and culture in Egypt and worldwide.

Although tomb robbers and vandals have stripped most of these monuments of their original limestone coverings and plundered many of the interiors, they remain potent reminders of Egypt’s impressive history and engineering feats. The pyramids still stand today as a testament to a great civilization that once ruled over this part of the world, a civilization whose mysteries continue to fascinate people centuries after its golden age had passed into history.