Activity

RAIN MASSAGE

Number of participants

5 to 25 participants 5 to 25 participants

Objectives

● To promote a sensory experience and presence in the moment.
● To encourage participants to understand the significance of boundaries.
● To explore the perspective of being touched, particularly in relation to working with elders.

Where does the activity take place within the process

Beginning

Duration

15 to 20 minutes

Material needed

Preparation

Prepare the room/space so that it is as spacious as it can be, without obstacles.

Step by step description

1. Ask participants to form a circle and designate participants as “Person 1” and “Person 2.” The ones designated as “Person 1″ form a circle in the middle of the room with their eyes closed, and the rest, all the”Person 2” stand in another circle behind them.

2. Ask those designated as “Person 2” to gently touch “Person 1s” with the tips of their fingers, as if simulating raindrops falling on them. Emphasise the importance of being aware of personal boundaries. If a “Person 1” feels uncomfortable, they can “shake” their body to indicate their discomfort.

3. Stand in the middle of the first circle and, without speaking, prompt “Person 2s” to change places in the circle (move clockwise for example) to offer the “rain” massage to each “Person 1.”

4. After almost all people from the circle of “Person 2” have offered the massage to all people in the inner circle, ask people from the inner circle (all “Person 1”) to open their eyes and slowly switch roles, so that each “Person 1” becomes “Person 2” and vice versa.

5. Ask the participants to take a deep breath and relax a bit, preparing to receive and give the “rain” massages.

6. Repeat the same process so that everyone being “Person 1” now can receive a rain massage.

The activity concludes when the circle of “Person 2” has switched places and came back to the same place again.

Closing up

After the exercise, ask participants:

● How are you feeling now?

Close the activity by summarising the insights gained and emphasising the importance of feedback and understanding boundaries in such exercises.

Resources

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Comments / hints for facilitators

Participants may share that they feel more present and have had a sensory experience. Discuss how the exercise helps participants understand boundaries and the experience of being touched, which is particularly valuable in intergenerational groups. Participants may express concerns about invading someone's personal space, so be open to listening and exploring these subjects in a sensitive way.