The Special Thing
Special Thing is a powerful exercise in self-expression and reflection to help build relationships and promote empathy within your group.
This activity is as simple as posing a question to your group that invites each person to share something about an object in their life (within their reach) that is related to your question. For example, you could ask each person to identify one object in their room that they care about and has a certain backstory connected to it.
Host an online session or meeting with your group. Invite participants to switch on their webcams.
Pose a question to your group, eg identify one object within reach of your computer that you care about. There are no limits to the questions you could ask.
Here are a few to get you started. ‘Find an object that…’
- Is very special to you.
- Was given to you.
- Is connected to a holiday or overseas trip.
- Reminds you of someone.
- You have held or owned for a long time.
- Is one of your favourite things.
- Reminds you of an important lesson you learned.
Give your group a little time to identify and grab their objects.
When ready, invite a volunteer to show the object they chose in front of their webcam and share the story connected to it. Each person has 30 to 60 seconds to share their story, and if you have time, the opportunity to take questions from others in the group.
Continue the invitation to ‘show and tell’ until everyone has shared or your time has elapsed.
Moment of Reflection
- What did you notice as the stories progressed?
- Did the stories of others stimulate memories of your own experience? Why does this happen?
- Which story really stood out to you? Why?
- Why do you think stories are important?
- What makes a good story?
The topics of this publication: self, emotions, reflection
