Objectives of the exercise:
- to promote relaxation and recovery after more intensive activities,
- to support the regulation of physical and emotional tension,
- to increase body awareness and mindfulness,
- to encourage a sense of calm, safety, and grounding,
- to explore personal comfort with giving and receiving care and support,
- to reinforce the importance of consent and respect for boundaries.
Procedure:
Participants stand or sit in a circle facing the same direction so that each person is positioned behind another participant.
Before the activity begins, the instructor clearly explains the purpose of the exercise and emphasizes that participation in physical contact is entirely voluntary.
The instructor asks each participant for explicit consent before any form of massage takes place. Participants are reminded that:
- they may decline participation,
- they may choose a non-contact version,
- they may withdraw consent at any time,
- no explanation is required for any decision.
Participants who agree to take part in the massage version place their hands gently on the shoulders or upper back of the person in front of them.
The massage consists of simple, slow, and gentle movements such as:
- light circular motions,
- gentle shoulder massage,
- soft tapping,
- slow strokes across the upper back.
Participants are encouraged to focus on maintaining a calm and respectful pace. The touch should be:
- slow,
- light,
- predictable,
- free from pressure or force.
After a short period, the instructor asks participants to turn around so that everyone has an opportunity both to give and receive the massage.
The activity continues for several minutes, allowing participants to notice changes in their level of tension, comfort, and relaxation.
Alternative: Non-Contact Version
Participants who prefer not to engage in physical touch may choose one of the following options:
- Air massage: performing the same massage movements several centimetres above the body without making physical contact.
- Self-massage: applying gentle movements to their own shoulders, arms, neck, or hands.
- Observation: remaining present and observing the activity without active participation.
These alternatives should be presented as equally valid forms of participation.
Reflection and Discussion
After the activity, participants are invited to reflect on their experience. Possible discussion questions include:
- What changes did I notice in my body?
- How did my level of tension change during the exercise?
- How did it feel to give support compared to receiving it?
- What helped me feel comfortable and relaxed?
- How did I experience personal boundaries during the activity?
- What role did consent play in creating a sense of safety?
Methodological guidelines:
- Explicit consent must be obtained before any physical contact occurs.
- Participants should be reminded that consent can be withdrawn at any moment.
- Refusing participation or choosing an alternative option does not require any explanation.
- The instructor should model respect for all choices and boundaries.
- Touch should remain gentle, predictable, and limited to previously agreed areas of the body.
- Monitor participants continuously for signs of discomfort or tension.
- Silence, slow breathing, or calm background music may help create a relaxing atmosphere and support emotional regulation.
- Encourage participants to focus on bodily sensations rather than conversation during the exercise.
- Adapt the activity to the age, needs, and comfort level of the group.