Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto held the second session of its “Heart-to-Heart” youth program on November 15, featuring a creative workshop on “Body Mapping and the Seven Identities.” The activity was facilitated by Oliver Wang, Deputy President of the Buddha’s Light Toronto Young Adult Division, together with member Alec Zhang, and welcomed twelve participating youths.

The workshop began with a guided body-scan exercise. Participants traced each other’s silhouettes on large sheets of paper and then illustrated the “seven identities”—race and culture, gender, sexual orientation, class, physical and mental ability, religion or spirituality, and age—onto their body maps. Using images, symbols, and descriptive words, the youths reflected on how various aspects of identity shape their life experiences, whether through moments of challenge, resilience, connection, joy, or empowerment.

After completing their artwork, participants shared their thoughts. Tiffany Chen noted that the drawing process helped her reaffirm her identities andbuild more authentic connections with others. Another participant, Belinda Chen, filled her map with lotus motifs to symbolize the strength and grounding she draws from her Buddhist faith.

Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, attended the session to offer encouragement. The Abbess highlighted how psychological education enhances self-awareness and pointed out the parallels between reflective practices and the Buddhist “Seven Factors of Enlightenment.” She noted that body mapping is a meaningful method for people of all ages to explore their inner landscape and understand their state of body and mind.

Oliver Wang expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to apply insights from his Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy studies at the University ofToronto. Alec Zhang shared that facilitating youth programs brings him a sense of growth and joy. Senior mentor and registered psychotherapist Stephanie Hong provided professional support throughout the session.