Activities
MIRROR EXERCISE IN PAIRS
Number of participants
Objectives
● To promote non-verbal communication through body expression.
● To explore the perspective of being touched, particularly in relation to working with older people.
● To build trust in oneself and one another.
● To encourage participants to become more aware of their bodies and the body of others.
Where does the activity take place within the process (beginning, middle, end)
Duration
Material needed
Music player device (optional)
Preparation
Optionally, calm music can be played in the background to support the tranquillity of the movements. If you are using music, make sure beforehand that the music player device you are using is working properly.
Step by step description
1. Firstly, randomly assign participants into pairs.
2. Ask each pair to stand facing each other so that the palms of their hands, raised in front, are almost touching.
3. Instruct one person in each pair to slowly begin moving their hands, while the other person mirrors their movements.
4. Encourage participants to gradually include other parts of their bodies once connection is made.
5. Emphasise that the exercise is done without speaking.
6. After some time, instruct the pairs to switch roles.
Closing up
Analyse the exercise by asking:
● How did it feel to follow the gestures of the other person?
● How did it feel to be followed?
● What was easy?
● What was difficult or challenging?