The Letter is a participatory activity that invites participants to write a reflective letter, either addressed to themselves, to another person, or to a specific situation. This activity encourages introspection, emotional expression, and personal or group connection. It is ideal for workshops focused on personal development, conflict resolution, or closing group processes.
Preparation
- Define the purpose:
- Encourage introspection and emotional expression through writing.
- Facilitate the communication of thoughts or emotions that are difficult to express verbally.
- Strengthen the bond between participants or with themselves.
- Prepare the materials:
- Sheets of paper or cards to write the letters.
- Envelopes to store the letters.
- Pens, pencils, or markers.
- Optional: decorative elements such as stickers or stamps to personalize the letters.
- Set up the space:
- Create a calm and comfortable environment where participants can write without distractions.
- Arrange tables or individual spaces to ensure privacy during the writing process.
- To run the activity virtually:
- Ask participants to use word processors or collaborative platforms to write their letters.
- Provide clear instructions through a video call to guide the activity and encourage reflection.
- Facilitate the virtual sharing of letters if appropriate, while respecting participants’ privacy.
Step-by-step instructions
- Introduce the purpose
- Explain that the activity consists of writing a reflective letter to express emotions, thoughts, or important messages.
- Offer examples of possible recipients: oneself, a loved one, a conflict or lived experience, or even a future version of themselves.
- Writing the letter (15–20 minutes)
- Distribute the necessary writing materials and allow participants to work in silence.
- Provide optional guiding questions to help structure their letters:
- What important message do you want to express?
- What emotions would you like to convey?
- What lessons or reflections do you want to share?
- Optional reflection
- If appropriate, invite participants to share their letter with the group or with the intended recipient, respecting their choice to keep it private if they prefer.
- Guide a discussion on the impact of expressing emotions and thoughts through writing.
- Closure
- Remind participants that letters are a powerful tool for reflection and emotional release.
- Offer the option to keep their letters in a sealed envelope to read in the future or to give to the intended recipient if they wish.
