"When we truly forgive and accept, we can not only find the greatest freedom but also our response-ability to be fully who we are in this world"

What is 'sori'?

Sori (the welsh word for sorry) is a project exploring apology and forgiveness in cultures around the world through creative arts therapy, meditation, music and songwriting.

Phase I

The first phase (January-July 2023) of Sori is a 6 month research programme that aims to develop a soulful model of apology and forgiveness that is cross cultural and accessible. We will consider, how does forgiveness create space for more love, vitality and response-ability?

This phase will be researched through the delivery of experiential creative workshops in India, Cambodia, Indonesia, NZ, Hawaii, USA and Canada. A traveling podcast will be created alongside the workshops to document the impact and learning.

The results of Phase 1 will be written up for publication and findings will be shared in an International Conference in July 2023.

Phase II

Phase II of the project will involve: delivery of in-person and online workshops; the development and provision of a Training of Trainers Sori Programme; supervision of practitioners; and, the creation of a toolkit and workbook.

Why 'sori'?

After completing a PHD in the therapeutic impact of expressive arts therapy and songwriting in times of global crisis in cross cultural contexts, Carolina Herbert identified the need to create a programme that helps us to: realise our spiritual capacity, and, navigate through individual and collective injury that prevents us from living our greatest potential.

"As the impacts of global events and climate crisis are increasing so is the impact on mental health and wellbeing. I am researching how creativity, apology and forgiveness can support mental health and wellbeing and bring us into a deeper communion with ourselves, each other and our planet.

It is important to find ways in these times to enhance wellbeing and create space for hope, love and gratitude through voicing and learning to navigate the complexity of life.

This research project is part of a larger intention to enable people from different cultures to learn together from our experiences so as to create more global awareness, understanding and mutual collaboration. To find the thread that connects us all and the consciousness to make a different future together".

What difference is it making?

To date the Sori project has been to Holland, India, Cambodia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Colorado and Canada. 66 participants have joined workshops,11 podcast episodes have been produced in collaboration with 20 speakers from around the world attracting a growing audience from over 40 countries.

An online community is generating interest in the work with invitations for Phase II workshops from Switzerland, Holland, Mozambique, Vancouver, Peru and Taiwan.

What participants are saying:

"I never realised how it was possible to learn how to forgive and let go of the resentment and anger, it's been life-changing to me, I feel free again to love"

"It has really helped me consider the impact of collective trauma from the genocide and how that is creating cycles of violence in myself and in our families and communities.

Learning the process of apology and forgivess is finally giving me a way to journey through what I always thought was impossible, I have hope not only for myself but for future generations, everyone needs to learn how to do this."

Invitation to get involved

Host a Sori workshop in your location or sign up for an online course or facilitator programme

Become an investor in this pioneering work: The Sori project is currently looking for investors and funding partners to support this initial research phase and the longer term project.

Become part of the Sori Team - we are currently recruiting a project assistant

Contact: carrie@alkimiasoul.com

Dr. Carolina Herbert is an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, qualified Trainer, clinical supervisor and consultant with over 20 years’ experience working with people, organisations and communities around the world.

Carolina has extensive experience in the following areas: asylum seekers and refugees, mental health, trauma and abuse, conflict & post conflict settings, mental health and psychosocial training, staff care and holistic well-being, supervision and emergency care of organisations.

Her focus is empowering organisations, teams and individuals in creativity, well-being and resilience in areas of conflict and complex environments.

Carolina is a photographer, musician and singer/songwriter, with an avid interest in all of the arts for expression, social action and change. Her passion is to enable communities, organisations and people to navigate transitions, crisis and emergencies through engaging in expressive arts, cultural rituals, ceremonies and celebrations.

Carolina is the founder of Alkimia, a UK based community interest company which provides a range of online and in-person therapeutic services.