From monologue to dialogue

To familiarize participants with the Hero's Journey structure and cultivate empathy by identifying and naming emotions.

Duration: 120 minutes. Introduction: 30 minutes. Group work: 2 x 30 minutes. Summary: 30 minutes.

Difficulty level: 3/5

Number of participants: up to 16.

Preparation

Print two sheets for each group or participant:

• Michał’s Story

• Michał’s Monologue and Questions for the Exercise

Paper and pens.

Introduction

1. Introduce the 8 steps of the Hero's Journey.

2. Collaboratively list basic emotions on the board or flipchart, discussing their purpose. Explain that all emotions are necessary because they help us identify important matters, alert us to key situations, focus our attention on body sensations, and provide vital information.

Instructions

Part 1 (30 minutes)

1. Ask participants to sit comfortably and ensure everyone can hear clearly.

2. Inform them that you'll be reading Michał’s Story aloud, and ask them to listen attentively, paying attention to its message, turning points, and the emotions it evokes.

3. Read the story twice.

4. Divide participants into groups (maximum of 4 people). Provide each group with a copy of Michał’s Story, and ask them to identify the stages of the Hero's Journey and the emotions experienced by the protagonist.

5. After completing the task, invite each group to share their responses. Summarize the findings, focusing on turning points and emotions.

Part 2 (30 minutes)

1. Read Michał’s Monologue aloud to the group.

2. Distribute cards with the monologue and corresponding questions for dialogue. Participants can complete this part individually, in pairs, or in groups, depending on their comfort with sharing emotions.

3. Ask participants to read Michał’s questions and respond. If working in groups, they can discuss their answers, but don't need to write them down.

4. After the allotted time, check that all groups have completed the task.

5. Invite volunteers to share one story from their discussion.

Summary

• Invite participants to stand, stretch, and make a gesture that helps them feel good, free, and comfortable, allowing them to "release" some emotions. Then, ask them to sit in a way that feels comfortable.

• Ask:

  • What was this exercise about for you?

  • How do you feel after completing it?

  • Did you find any personal connections to the story?

  • What emotions do you most often recognize in your life, and how do you experience them?

  • How do you manage your emotions?

  • What do the emotions you feel reveal about you?

  • What will you take away from this story?