Objectives of the exercise:
- to experience the support and presence of the group,
- to build interpersonal trust,
- to strengthen the sense of safety and security in relationships,
- to increase awareness of personal boundaries and individual needs,
- to develop sensitivity to the boundaries and comfort levels of others,
- to encourage respectful cooperation and mutual care.
Procedure:
These activities may be conducted as separate exercises or as a gradual sequence, progressing from less intensive forms of contact and support to more direct experiences of trust and group connection. Before beginning any variant, the instructor leads a discussion about personal boundaries, consent, and safety procedures.
Variant 1: Falls
One participant stands in the center of the group. The remaining participants form a semicircle or circle around them at a safe and appropriate distance.
The instructor explains that the participant in the center has complete control over their level of involvement and may choose between different levels of participation.
Depending on their comfort level, the participant may:
- perform a very small and controlled body lean toward the group,
- allow a slightly greater transfer of body weight,
- simply stand with their eyes closed and focus on sensing the group's presence and support without any physical movement.
Group members remain attentive and prepared to provide stable support if weight is transferred toward them.
Participants supporting the person in the center use gentle, careful, and respectful physical contact while maintaining a stable stance.
The pace remains slow and deliberate, with constant attention to safety and communication.
The participant in the center may stop, modify, or end the activity at any time.
Variant 2: Cradle
One participant stands in the center while several group members position themselves around them in a stable and supportive arrangement.
Support may be provided through carefully positioned hands, arms, shoulders, or other agreed-upon points of contact.
Once everyone is comfortable and ready, the group gently supports and rocks the participant in a slow and controlled manner.
The movement may be coordinated with calm breathing to create a sense of rhythm and safety.
Participants supporting the person continuously monitor comfort and stability throughout the activity.
The participant in the center may communicate adjustments or stop the exercise at any time.
Due to the intensity of the experience, the exercise should remain brief, typically lasting no more than several dozen seconds.
Variant 3: Support Circle
One participant stands or sits in the center of a circle formed by the rest of the group.
The surrounding participants create a symbolic “circle of support” through their presence and attention.
Group members may choose one or more of the following forms of support:
- standing quietly in silence,
- offering a single supportive word,
- making a symbolic gesture, such as placing a hand over their own heart,
- maintaining eye contact if comfortable.
Physical contact is not required and may be completely omitted.
The participant in the center is invited to simply notice and experience the group's presence without any obligation to respond.
After a short period, another participant may choose to enter the center if they wish.
Reflection and Discussion
After completing the exercise, participants are invited to reflect individually or as a group. Possible reflection questions include:
- How did I feel during the exercise?
- What aspects felt easy or comfortable?
- What aspects felt challenging or uncomfortable?
- How did I experience support from the group?
- How did the group respond to my boundaries and needs?
- What helped me feel safe?
- What did I learn about trust, support, or personal boundaries?
Methodological guidelines:
- Participation must always be voluntary.
- Observing the exercise is considered a valid form of participation.
- A non-contact alternative should always be available.
- Before beginning, the instructor should facilitate a thorough discussion about:
- consent,
- personal boundaries,
- acceptable and unacceptable forms of touch,
- individual comfort levels,
- clear ways to communicate “stop” or “I need a break.”
- Participants should be reminded that they may withdraw from the exercise at any time without explanation.
- The instructor must continuously monitor safety, emotional well-being, and group dynamics.
- The focus should remain on personal experience rather than performance or achievement.
- Physical support should always be gentle, predictable, and based on explicit consent.
- Adapt the intensity of the activity to the needs, maturity, and comfort level of the group.