The Unknown is where life and aliveness are accessed. It is a continuum of experiencing (a verb) being alive, rather than a series of experiences (a noun), of fleeting moments of feeling alive.
To explorer the Unknown is a willingness to see ourselves beyond the limitations of who we think we are (a noun). It is the willingness to risk being (a verb) alive.
Establishing a habit of experimental exploration into the Unknown, allows us to begin to dispel our fears and start to build trust in the Unknown. It strengthens a transferable mind-set when we are thrown out of our comfort zone. Challenging periods can then be perceived as a playground of self-discovery, supporting our path to wholeness, rather than brokenness. It’s interesting that the Chinese word for ‘crisis’ is ‘opportunity’. Perhaps a series of experiences can build enough confidence to eventually become uninterrupted experiencing, in every moment.
The Experimental Lab was created to give participants the experience of the Unknown. A series of activities were developed that had no purpose or meaning – very much like child’s play. Each activity had simple and minimal instructions, without any purpose, or goal to achieve.
At the conclusion of the activities, the participants were asked to share their personal observations and provide any feedback.
When confronted with no direction, and no purpose or goal, surprisingly, it unlocked unexpected reactions, and self-discovery ~
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Below are the activities:
Each activity flows immediately into the next one, without introduction.
- (5 minutes)
Upon arrival, participants are given a mirror and instructed to hold it resting on
the bridge of their nose, so that they can look down into the mirror and see the ceiling. It feels as if you are walking on the ceiling. They are told to walk around the rooms and as soon as they see something on the ceiling related to them*, to have a seat.(* In order to be read correctly, each person’s name was written backwards on masking tape, taped to the ceiling) - (5 minutes)
Quickly pick one image from the collection of magazine pictures.
Write a spontaneous word or phrase under the image, and immediately
pass it to the next person, who adds their own word or phrase underneath yours.
Keep passing the images around until yours comes back to you.
Each person reads theirs out-loud. - (15 minutes)
Close your eyes.
A series of sounds, smells, sensations are introduced slowly, one at a time.
Examples: incense, chimes, paper fan, etc. - (20 minutes)
Pick 5 images from the collection of magazine pictures.
Team with a partner. Your partner will select one of your images that she/he finds interesting or attractive. Exchange your thoughts. Now switch. You choose one of your partners images, and discuss. If time permits, move
to another partner, and repeat the exercise (taking your original 5 images). - (15 minutes)
Music is introduced.
Each person develops a repetitive movement to go with the music.
The facilitator randomly calls-out each person’s name, and the other
participants follow that person’s movements. As soon as another name is called out, they must all switch to that persons movements. Ideally done in front of a wall of mirrors. - (30 minutes)
A head of time, everyone was told to put 12 objects that they were attracted to, into a paper bag, and bring it with them to the Lab. Anything was allowed (even words, music, etc.) , as long as it fit into the bag.Think of a question you want some insight or an answer for, and without looking:1. Take-out one of the objects and place it face up in front of you.
2. Take-out 2nd object and place it to the left of #1
3. Take-out 3red object and place it to the right of #1
4. Take-out 4th object and place below #1
5. Take-out 5th object and place it above #1Allow a few minutes between each number:
#1 is the issue
#2 is the internal influence you cannot see
#3 is the external influence which you are aware
#4 What is needed for resolution
#5 Resolution: the understanding - Observations and feedback
Passing Through the Eye of the Needle 