About Us
Scattered is a project that aims to employ automatic writing techniques used in poetry paired with guided mindfulness meditation sessions to tap into a deeper conversation with oneself. Through the practice and development of the technique I call the headspace method, we aim to build introspection and mindfulness. In the Scattered workshops that I have run in elementary schools and University campuses, we have seen the headspace method work across the board. The goal is to use the automatic writing processes to express feelings and ideas that we typically filter out. As a result of this participants from the workshop end up writing poetry about feelings and ideas they did not even know they had, and leave the workshops feeling lighter and more mindful. The adults who continued to use our methods at home have told us that they see major improvements not only in their ability to do automatic writing but also in tapping into that mindful introspective headspace that we induced with our headspace method. Though we have found this to be effective across the board, this specifically works exceptionally well for Neurodivergent individuals. A lot of people with ADHD are particularly adept at inducing the headspace in question, our sessions and automatic writing framework provided them with a tangible creative outlet that they can build upon and go back to for future reflection.
Our goal is to try to implement this into the school systems at the elementary to high school levels. The idea is that if we can build introspection, self-expression, and mindfulness skills in youth at a young age, it will act as a preventative measure against the strongly declining mental health in our youth.
Sampreet Arneja
Sampreet, Co-founder of Scattered, has been studying Psychology for the past 8 years, recently graduating with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Concordia University. He works as a Senior Lab Technician in the Insomnia Sleep Lab, bringing his extensive background in the arts to blend his passion for Psychology and Poetry. With over ten years of experience in writing songs and poetry, he finds a natural synergy in his current project.
His most recent role as a project coordinator with Youth 4 Youth Quebec honed his communication skills, particularly with youth, as he traveled around the province creating a podcast with local leaders to explore pressing issues faced by the youth. His experience with Youth 4 Youth Quebec provided him with valuable community-organizing skills, as he collaborated with various stakeholders to create meaningful projects and initiatives. Through this role, he developed a deep understanding of community dynamics and effective strategies for fostering engagement and advocacy.
With these connections and networks he continues to work and collaborate with organizations like QUESCREN, Bishops Forum, ELAN, Quebec Writers Federation, etc… Diagnosed with ADHD from a young age, this project holds immense personal significance for him, as he aims to provide today's Neurodivergent population with the outlet and therapeutic framework he wished were available to him growing up.
Arielle Warten
Arielle Warten, Co-Founder of Scattered, is an accomplished graduate of Concordia University, holding a degree in Sociology. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge is evident in her deep appreciation for a diverse range of subjects within the Humanities and Liberal Arts. In addition to her studies in sociology, Arielle aspires to further her education in Philosophy, Music, and Poetry.
Arielle's impact extends beyond the academic realm. In November 2023, she had the honor of representing a group of young English speakers at Parliament, where she shared her invaluable perspectives on bill C13. Her participation in the Bishops Forum equipped her with the necessary platform to voice the concerns of her community, where she continued on being a coach for the next 2 forums. Arielle's commitment to community engagement is exemplified by her close collaboration with the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN). Within this organization, she has assumed significant roles, including leading an internal research project titled "Engaging Youth in the Policy Discussion." This initiative aimed to fully comprehend the priorities and concerns of English-speaking Youth, empowering them to articulate their legislative concerns effectively.
Arielle's personal journey as a Neurodivergent individual, receiving an official diagnosis of ADHD at the age of 18, has given her a unique understanding of the challenges faced by those who remain undiagnosed. Utilizing art, music, and poetry as therapeutic mediums to manage her chaotic energy, Arielle finds solace and inspiration, and aspires to share the headspace method used by Scattered with anyone who wants to develop their mindfulness and introspection skills through artistic means.
Join the team
If you are inspired and want to contribute, send us your CV with a cover page explaining you interest.