Mirror: the practice of self-recognition
To strengthen self-esteem, foster self-appreciation, and encourage participants to express gratitude toward themselves and others.
Duration: 50 minutes. Introduction: 15 minutes. Exercise 30 minutes. Summary: 15 minutes.
Difficulty level: 4/5
Source: wzMOCnieni
Preparation
A4 paper, colored pens/crayons, tables, chairs, relaxing music. Wall or string to hang up the “mirrors”.
Introduction
Provide large white sheets of paper (at least A4 size) and colorful markers or crayons.
Ask participants to draw a large shape (circle, ellipse, rectangle, etc.) that fills most of their sheet of paper. If they wish, the entire sheet itself can serve as the shape.
Next, have them create a decorative frame around this shape—like a frame for a photo, painting, or mirror. Encourage them to make it beautiful and personal, a design they genuinely like.
Finally, ask them to sign their name visibly within or near the frame. Allow up to 15 minutes for the first steps (points 1-4).
Instructions
Explain that this framed shape represents a mirror. Ask participants to hold it up and imagine looking at their reflection with tenderness, delight, and gratitude. Encourage them to view themselves through kind, appreciative eyes, focusing on their beauty and uniqueness.
Ask participants to write positive affirmations or thoughts about themselves within the “mirror.” These could include: Things they admire about themselves. Qualities or achievements they’re grateful for. Affirming statements like, “I love myself for…” or “I appreciate that I…” Suggest that they read these affirmations quietly to themselves or aloud if they’re comfortable.
Provide each participant with as many small, colorful sticky notes as there are other participants in the group. Ask them to write one genuine compliment or word of appreciation for each person in the group. These notes should reflect what they see or admire about that individual. Participants then stick their notes onto the corresponding “mirrors.”
Invite participants to stand in front of their “mirrors” and read the notes left by others. Encourage them to take a moment to absorb the kind words and reflect on how others perceive them.
Wrap-up
Invite participants to share their thoughts and feelings. Use prompts such as:
Do I appreciate myself, or do I need external “appreciators”?
What have I learned about myself from others? How do I feel about it?
Do I feel grateful? What for? To whom? How does it feel?