Objectives of the exercise:
- to build trust between participants,
- to develop a sense of responsibility for another person,
- to strengthen communication skills,
- to increase awareness of safety and personal boundaries,
- to encourage cooperation and mutual support.
Procedure:
Participants form pairs and decide who will begin as the guide and who will take on the role of the person being guided.
The instructor explains the purpose of the activity and reviews safety guidelines. Participants are reminded that trust, clear communication, and respect for personal comfort are essential throughout the exercise.
The participant being guided closes their eyes (or lowers their gaze), depending on their comfort level.
The guide leads their partner through the space using only verbal instructions. Examples may include:
- “Take two small steps forward.”
- “Turn slightly to your left.”
- “Stop.”
- “There is a chair in front of you.”
- “Walk slowly.”
The guide is responsible for ensuring their partner’s safety and should provide clear, calm, and timely directions.
The participant being guided focuses on listening carefully and responding to the instructions while remaining aware of their own comfort level.
After a few minutes, participants switch roles so that each person experiences both guiding and being guided.
The instructor may introduce simple variations, such as:
- navigating around obstacles,
- walking at different speeds,
- guiding a partner to a specific destination,
- exploring indoor or outdoor spaces suitable for the activity.
The exercise concludes with a brief reflection on the experience of trusting another person, being responsible for someone else, and communicating clearly.
Methodological guidelines:
- Participation should remain voluntary, and comfort levels should be respected at all times.
- Participants who do not wish to close their eyes may keep them open and simply focus on following verbal instructions.
- Short rounds are recommended to maintain concentration and ensure a positive experience.
- The instructor should carefully monitor the environment and remove any potential hazards before the activity begins.
- Guides should be encouraged to communicate calmly, clearly, and respectfully.
- Participants should be reminded that they may stop the exercise at any time if they feel uncomfortable.
- Avoid creating situations that may cause unnecessary stress, fear, or physical risk.
- Reflection should focus on trust, communication, responsibility, and personal experiences rather than performance.