Objectives of the exercise:
- to explore personal qualities through metaphor and symbolism,
- to encourage self-reflection in a creative and playful way,
- to strengthen positive self-perception,
- to promote group cohesion and mutual appreciation,
- to create emotional distance that makes discussing personal characteristics easier and more enjoyable.
Procedure:
Each participant receives a sheet of paper and drawing materials. The instructor explains that the exercise uses animal symbols as metaphors for personal qualities and strengths.
Participants are invited to draw an animal that they feel represents them in some way. The drawing does not need to be realistic or artistically skilled; simple sketches and symbolic representations are equally acceptable.
Participants are given a few minutes to complete their drawings. They may choose any animal, whether common, unusual, real, or imaginary.
Once the drawings are finished, participants display their animal symbols so that other group members can see them.
The other participants then suggest positive characteristics, strengths, or qualities that they associate with the animal shown. For example:
- courage,
- loyalty,
- persistence,
- intelligence,
- adaptability,
- creativity,
- kindness,
- curiosity.
These characteristics may be written directly on the participant’s sheet of paper or recorded on sticky notes placed around the drawing.
Participants listen to the feedback without needing to justify, explain, or agree with every suggested characteristic.
After receiving feedback, each participant reviews the list of qualities and chooses one characteristic that feels particularly meaningful, surprising, or relevant.
Participants are invited to briefly share with the group:
- why they selected that characteristic,
- whether they recognize it in themselves,
- how it has appeared in their life or experiences.
The exercise concludes with a short reflection on how metaphors and symbols can help people discover new perspectives on themselves and others.
Methodological guidelines:
- Emphasize that there are no right or wrong animal choices.
- Encourage creativity and playfulness rather than artistic perfection.
- Accept surprise, disagreement, or mixed reactions to the characteristics suggested by others.
- Participants are free to accept, reject, or remain uncertain about any qualities attributed to them.
- Avoid interpreting the meaning of the animal symbol on behalf of participants.
- The instructor should refrain from assigning symbolic meanings or psychological interpretations to specific animals.
- Focus on positive qualities and strengths rather than deficits or weaknesses.
- Ensure that feedback remains respectful, supportive, and constructive.
- Participation in sharing personal reflections should remain voluntary.
- Create an atmosphere in which participants feel comfortable exploring different aspects of their identity without pressure.