Support Memo 📝 【 Creating Shadows 】

【 Where there is light, there is always shadow 】

　People naturally try to avoid the darkness because they are afraid of it, but have you ever noticed that there is nowhere in this world without a shadow?

　As you can see from the masterpieces of Rembrandt, known as the "Painter of Light," to depict light in a compelling way, it is a prerequisite to fully grasp the utility of shadow.

　You could even say that shadow is the unsung hero of light.

　There are various kanji for shadow (such as 陰, 蔭, 翳), and if you look up the meaning on Wikipedia, it is described as "a dark area formed on a wall or the ground as a result of an object or person blocking the path of light."

　At the same time, in terms of psychology and personality, we metaphorically call a person with a dark personality a person with a shadow, or mock someone who lacks presence as a person with a thin shadow.

　Shadow is often used in a negative way, like an insult, but this shadow (= the dark part) is, just like the light mentioned earlier, the unsung hero that illuminates the bright parts and is an indispensable part.

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　I have been aware of the importance of shadow since I was a child.

　However, since I am different from others, no matter how much I explain the charm of the darkness, it never reached those who are extremely afraid of peering into the shadow parts and are desperate to act bright.

　I certainly understand the feeling of not wanting to admit it. It is exhausting to look at the dark places, after all.

　However, depending on the time and situation, it can sometimes be a relief. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to say it is a salvation.

　When you are feeling down, in other words, when you have become a shadow yourself, it is very hard to avoid it. If you cannot even admit your own weakness (= shadow) and are in a situation where you are desperately trying to stop being a shadow, I think it becomes even more painful.

　In such times, what if there were someone by your side who accepts shadow like I do, or an environment that accepts it? Wouldn't that make you feel much more at ease?

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　As you can tell from reading this, I am also an incredibly weak person, so this is for my own sake as well, and I also desire such a situation.

　Therefore, in the children's atelier "Gokko" that I am planning this time, I would like to strive to create an environment where it is easy to accept shadows.

　That leads to the theme of this time, "Creating Shadows," but truly, where there is shadow, the shadow finds peace.

　Specifically, first is my personal attitude. I think this is clear if you read notes like this.

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　In this roleplay, we will also be particular about the environment.

　For users, it is easy to understand, it is Snoezelen. We will create a dark, chill-out space. We will set up partitions or create corners to form shadows so that people do not have to worry about being watched.

　Also, a distinctive feature is creating shadows for staff as well.

　Previously, I wrote that I want the weak to help each other, and a "place to escape" is essential for an environment where the weak can work comfortably.

　First, regarding restrooms, I would like to make them all private rooms if possible. I am not particular about the number of toilets, but I would like to create a centralized, fully private space where people do not have to worry about being seen or heard.

　Also, if there is room, I would like to provide a restroom separate from the toilets.

　In the past, companies always had things like smoking rooms or break rooms, and for convenience, those served as places to escape. But recently, even these places have been invaded by office gossips or misguided bosses, and the same hierarchical society as the outside world has become rampant.

　That is not what I want to create; I want to create a completely free space detached from the organization. It is a small space, basically for one person and less than two tatami mats, but it will be a restroom where complete privacy is protected. (Since there may be violations of manners if used selfishly, rental reservations are required. Please treat it with care as it is a shared room.)

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　I have always valued shadows, and I have never disliked creating them.

　However, the mainstream approach is to not show shadows. Even if they exist, pretend they don't, and have everyone cancel them out with white, showing only a bright and energetic side.

　This method looks healthy at first glance, but it is conditional on being healthy. If even a little shadow is cast, you are immediately treated as a nuisance or demoted from the elite track.

　That is why I am determined to oppose this approach, and conversely, I believe that by creating and showing shadows from the beginning, it will be easier for people currently in the shadows or those with intense shadow experiences in the past to join and create a comfortable place.

　I have no intention of competing over who has had more unfortunate experiences or trying to assert dominance.

　I want to create an environment where it is easy to speak up. There are many worries that cannot be solved even if you talk to someone, but the ease of living changes significantly depending on whether you hide them or not. You don't have to talk. If there is an atmosphere where you can talk if you want to, that is fine.

　By exposing these shadows in this way, some people might be put off, but if you don't want to read it, you don't have to, and I want to keep the door unlocked, keep it open, and appeal to an attitude of opening my heart.

　Therefore, I want to continue creating many shadows, and while honestly exposing what I think and rethinking if I am admonished that I am wrong, I would like to create a base and a place for the weak together with you all.