Puli: Caring for the Caregiver

Puli: Caring for the Caregiver

Date: March 10, 2026

Time: 11:30am - 3:30pm (Taiwan Time)

Location: Puli, Taiwan

Attendees: Caregivers

Whether caregiving for an elder, parents, a child with special needs, or a classroom of students, that giving takes energy, effort, and time. We may often think about the one who is in need, and maybe we forget to think about the one trying to meet all the needs. At least that was the sentiment at our “Care for the Caregivers” workshop in Puli, Taiwan – caregivers often give so much that they forget to give to themselves. This can especially be challenging when the surrounding culture values self-sacrifice and filial duty. Balancing personal goals and dreams with that of the family and community can sometimes feel overwhelming to attempt.
Using artmaking, storytelling, and creative prompts, we invited all the caregivers to take inventory of their own support systems and reintroduce themselves to each other as not what they do, but who they are. Process art really helped everyone express more about what resides in their heart – be it grief, gratitude, resentment, fear, joy, or any combination of those. We examined the interconnectedness of our wonders, worries, and wants while ending with a Lunar New Year tradition of blessing with red envelopes and encouraging words.
It was a half-day for every caregiver to experience putting themselves first, not so that they could care better, but because caring for ourselves is important enough on its own.