Connect
now this is more comfortable
This was a collective game to observe how the individual affects the group, and vice versa. Too often when one is given a task, like untying the knot here, one is too eager to accomplish and loses the attention. In the beginning, there was obviously one member giving instructions to the group. Then as the knot loosened up, more members pitched in and started to voice out "Now this is more comfortable" for the position they were holding themselves or that of another. The atmosphere became more energetic as members took a moment to feel the contact of touch and considered how to make it more comfortable for one another.
- day 1 -
sticky fingers
Another collective game where one was first connected to a partner with a stick held with a finger. The game evolved in sophistication as the paired partners began to lead and follow, and vice versa. Then Amir delicately joined each pair with another pair and so on, slowly growing into a web of connection.
At the centre of the web was Bl, half kneeling and not joined to any one. Even though all members were blindfolded, it was as if they could sense that there was a vulnerability in the group who needed protection.
The sticks were then taken away and members gradually gravitate towards one another, with great sensitivity to others and the magnetic centre. There was an air of nurture and care.
After the game when members went back to themselves, there was a great sense of settling in the room.
- day 2 -
vulnerable
Later in the day, Bl who was at the centre of the web shared that she was feeling unwell that day. She wanted to keep her distance.
- day 2 -
sweet trust
In this partnership game with eyes closed, members felt the concentration in the body as they discovered the quality of eyes closed in trust. When one was leading was one actually following? There was such quietness in the room as the activity went on with full concentration. At the end of the game there was a sharing between partners. The air became more sweet as bubbling conversation filled the room. To cultivate quiet receptivity, one need to be aware at the same time of the world outside and the movement inside.
- day 1 -
same game played differently
The "Fall and Catch" game is so widely used in all sorts of group activities that almost all members had either played or facilitated this more than a few times. But to "fall like a plank"? How does the body become a plank, not like a plank? How does one catch a plank, not a body like a plank? There could be so much nuances in this experiment in trust if one becomes fully aware of how one's own body anticipates, behaves and reacts in a relationship with another body.
- day 1 -
safe
Members were invited to share about their first day experience.
B: If one is not eager to solve the problem of the knot, then the sensory experience becomes primary instead of the task. The experience could be compared to that of being surrounded by strangers in a lift, only that in the game one feels embodied.
E: When I was lying down I could hear the sounds of my childhood neighbourhood where she felt safe and surrounded by family. Previously the safe feeling she had was when she were alone with nature. But yesterday the safe feeling was with the others.
(A): When teachers create an atmosphere in the room, the children recognise that it is safe for them and the others.
After the sharing, there was a change in the fabric of the atmosphere.
- day 2 -