CEEPS On-Line Activity Database

Polarity Loops

Description

A personal way to experience the continuity of Polarity Management.  This activity is based on the work of Barry Johnson in his book Polarity Management.

Instructions

You will need to download this PDF file.  The two pages must then be printed on the same piece of paper, such that one side is right-ways up, and the other side is oriented in the opposite direction.  Each piece of paper produces 8 tools for 8 participants.

Cut each printed sheet of paper into 8 strips, using the guidelines.  Check that the two sides line up correctly, and that each end of the strip has a printed semi-circle.

Give one strip of paper to each participant, along with a pen and a 3" piece of transparent tape.

Let the participants know that their responses to the questions posed in this activity are for their eyes only.  They may share the text with the group at the end of the exercise if they wish, but that is entirely up to them.

The activity takes place in four sections, each requiring the participant to complete a sentence.  The written instructions given below should be read out to the group for each section, giving them a couple of minutes to complete the task before moving on to the next section.  Note: Wording can be critical with instructions in order to produce the desired results!

"Complete the sentence with one or more words that describe a personal trait that you would like to moderate."

"Complete the sentence with one or more words that describe your preferred alternative to that personal trait."

"Complete the sentence with one or more words that describe the down-side or cost of that preferred alternative."

"Complete the sentence with one or more words that describe the action or remedy that you often take to counteract that down-side."

Once all participants have completed all four sections, have them join the two ends of the strip, forming a loop, such that the two semi-circles come together to form a single ring.  This will require a twist in the paper.  Use the tape to attach the two ends in this position.

Starting with their first sentence, the participants may now feed the strip through their fingers, reading the sections as a continuous story.  Note that the story cycles around to repeat itself with no end.

Ask if anyone would like to share their personal polarity story aloud with the group.

Facilitator Notes

Before using this activity with a group, the facilitator should be familiar with the work of Barry Johnson PhD and his book on Polarity Management.

This activity guides participants through the documentation of one of their own personal polarity challenges.  The continuous Moebius strip of paper that results is a neat way to experience that fact that this polarity has no terminating solution - it is simply a repeating sequence of behaviors that must be recognized and managed by the individual.

http://ceeps.ca/activities/PolarityLoops.htm