Why I can / Can’t be present

A partner exercise for arriving where you are – by Madhuri

This is good for warming up for an evening event or group. It gets preoccupations out of the way and prepares for what the group is transmitting; also helps establish easy, sharing atmosphere.

I came up with it early in my group-leading career, and soon noticed how important it is for group participants to be able to share with someone, in an intimate, friendly way, about their lives; before embarking on whatever adventure the group is going to offer.

The method

Find a partner and sit opposite them. Decide who’s A and who’s B.

Ding!

A has 5 minutes to tell B why she cannot be present tonight (or today). What is in the way – preoccupations, worries, etc.

B just listens. No replying or touching.

Ding!

Now A tells B why she can be present right now. 5 minutes.

Ding!

Change over: it’s B’s turn to tell A why she can’t be present. 5 minutes.

Ding!

Now B tells A why she can be present. 5 minutes.

Ding!

Share with each other how this was for you.

Thank your partner and have a hug.

This technique will also be part of Madhuri’s upcoming book, titled Techniques I Have Loved
Featured image: Photo by RDNE Stock project: pexels.com