As the new year unfolds, a significant shift is taking place in how people in the National Capital Region (NCR) are approaching their goals. Moving away from the traditional New Year's resolutions, which often lose steam by February, many are now embracing a more creative and sustainable practice: vision boarding. This tactile exercise of creating a visual manifesto for the year is rapidly gaining popularity through guided workshops popping up in cafes and garden spaces across Delhi and its suburbs.
More Than Just Pasting Pictures: The Philosophy Behind Vision Boards
Contrary to simply assembling random images, facilitators emphasize that vision boarding is a deliberate process of channeling one's core goals, values, and priorities into a visual format. Shireen Mubayi, who recently hosted her first workshop, highlights the communal and introspective nature of the activity. "It's a bonding activity," she says. "Sitting together and discovering what others are manifesting for the year is fascinating. It broadens perspectives and sparks inspiration." She advises participants to avoid treating it as a performance and instead focus on personal reflection.
Experts like Kumudini Bhutani, a journaling expert and artist who led a session with City Girls Who Walk Delhi, agree that the ultimate goal is clarity. "Visualisation is a powerful tool, and having a board as a visual reminder helps keep focus on what you want to achieve," she notes. Interestingly, she observed that many participants moved beyond concrete goals, gravitating towards abstract themes like preventing burnout, finding contentment, and making peace with the uncontrollable.
A Therapeutic and Social Ritual Away from Screens
These workshops offer a unique blend of therapy and social connection. Pragyan Behera, an expressive arts therapist, incorporates nature, tarot cards, and creative practices to help participants access subconscious desires. "In my approach, participants work in nature to calm the nervous system and gain perspective," she explains. She adds that clarity is not a prerequisite to start; it often emerges during the process of committing to what one's heart and nervous system need.
For attendees, the experience is both meaningful and socially enriching. Sampada Sharma, a recent participant, shared that creating a physical board felt more committed than her previous digital attempts. Zainab, who attended Shireen Mubayi's 'Manifestival' at Got Tea in Vasant Kunj, found it a perfect way to reflect on the past and future while catching up with friends. The act of sifting through materials like fancy paper, dried flowers, and magazine cuttings in a shared setting forces a slowdown, turning intention-setting into a mindful ritual.
Sustaining the Vision: From Creation to Quarterly Check-Ins
The journey doesn't end when the last glitter is glued. Pragyan Behera stresses the importance of ongoing engagement with the created vision board. "Quarterly check-ins with the board are a core part of the process," she states. These check-ins help individuals stay accountable, reflect on their progress, and adjust their intentions as life evolves, acknowledging that personal growth is not linear. This structured follow-through is what many believe transforms the board from a mere art project into a potent tool for actualization, making participants more likely to achieve their visualized goals.
The essentials for crafting a personal vision board, as gleaned from these workshops, include:
- Poster boards and crafting glue
- Art supplies like colourful pens, markers, and glitter
- Stickers and post-its for affirmations
- Old magazines for visual inspiration
- A motivating playlist and some tasty snacks
As this trend grows, vision boarding in Delhi-NCR is proving to be more than a passing fad. It represents a deeper search for mindful goal-setting, community, and a tangible method to navigate the hopes and challenges of the coming year.
