Opportunities to slow down and consider a deeper question are rare in this busy world. Personal and collective development are cultivated when we pause to consider what might be just beyond the reach of our daily awareness.

Witnessed Reflections:

(Best in groups of 2-6) Each person chooses a card they feel drawn to and takes a moment to contemplate the image and question. Taking turns, each player reads their question aloud, shows their image, and shares what comes up for them. No need to answer the question, just notice your first impressions and thoughts and share them. Then, you can invite your listeners to share a reflection back in response if you choose. When you’re ready, the next player can show their card and share.

Coaching Circle:

(For small groups) Each person will select a card for another. Pick an option: you can a) do this in pairs, b) choose a card for the person to your left, or, c) if the group is small enough, have each player choose a card for every other person. Allow all players to look at the cards front and back, so everyone has a chance to select the one that feels right for their partner(s). Exchange cards. Taking turns, show the card you were gifted. Reflect on what it means to you. After sharing, if desired, you may ask the person who gifted you the card (or the whole group) for feedback. After listening, share any final reflections. Now it’s the next player’s turn to show their card and share. Players may wish to have notebooks handy to capture prompts for later reflection or journaling. 

Patterns and Connections:

(For larger groups) At the beginning of a team engagement, everyone selects a few cards. Keep those cards with you until the end of the session. To close the session, invite everyone to add their cards to form an interconnected “puzzle” (in the manner of Scrabble or Dominoes). One person lays a card on the table, image side up. Anyone with a card they feel “matches” can place their card, connecting it with the first one. Continue until everyone has found a place for each of their cards to connect to the whole puzzle. Reflect on how each came in as an individual and now leaves recognizing their part of an interconnected whole, or how similarities and differences show up in interconnected ways. Reflect on how that relates to your work, social group, or family.