Let’s be honest. University life can feel like a rollercoaster with no brakes. Between assignments, exams, and the occasional 2 AM existential crisis, mental health often takes a back seat. That’s exactly why the Satori mental health awareness project was born: to remind students that it’s okay not to be OK, and even more okay to talk about it.
Organized by the Community Services Avenue of the Rotaract Club, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Satori focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The name “Satori” is a Japanese Zen term meaning sudden enlightenment, and that’s what this project aimed to bring: clarity, comfort, and a splash of color.
Phase 01 – Illuminate: Shedding Light with a Zoom Glow-Up
Held on May 25th, 2025, “Illuminate” wasn’t your typical Zoom session. It featured Dr. Chinthaka Sanjeewa, a renowned psychiatrist known for his relatable, human-centered approach. He tackled topics such as academic stress, burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to perform.
What made Illuminate unique was its interactivity. Students were encouraged to ask questions, reflect, or simply listen. The key takeaway? Seeking help is not weakness, it’s strength.
Phase 02 – Sip & Paint: Picasso Meets Peace of Mind
Phase 02 – Sip & Paint: Picasso Meets Peace of Mind
If Phase 1 fed our minds, Phase 2 fed our souls. The on-site Sip & Paint session looked like it came straight off Pinterest; fairy lights, flowers, and soft music set the mood.
Armed with paintbrushes and drinks (plus cake!), students relaxed and expressed themselves freely. Whether they painted a sunset or a smoothie explosion, everyone had fun. More than that, it was about being present, letting go, and connecting.
Participants called the event “healing,” “wholesome,” and “the first time I’ve smiled this much in weeks.”
Echoes of a Softer Kind of Strength
Satori wasn’t just about art or talks. It became a quiet revolution of healing, a space where vulnerability was met with compassion, and students could simply breathe. It reminded everyone that the pursuit of mental wellness is not a detour from success, but an essential part of the journey.
Healing looks different for everyone. For some, it’s talking. For others, it’s painting. And sometimes, it helps to read what the experts say, like these mental health tips from the World Health Organization.
So here’s to Project Satori, for the light it brought, the smiles it sparked, and the message it gently left behind:
Sometimes, all you need is a splash of paint, a slice of cake, and a quiet reminder that you are not alone.
By: Rtr. Anudi Rodrigo
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