Meeting Your Future Self
Uploaded by: Erika Karman
Objectives:
- - To recognise that our actions in the present have a significant impact on how the future unfolds.
- - To increase motivation to actively contribute to a more sustainable life and environment.
- - To experience trust and connection.
Preparation: It is helpful if the facilitator has the guiding questions written down, so they can repeat them accurately.
Tools needed: Chairs or cushions for sitting on the ground.
Description
Before the activity, arrange as many chairs as there are participants in two circles, facing each other—an inner and an outer circle. Participants sit facing one another at a comfortable distance for conversation.
Begin with a short guided imagination exercise about a future 100 years from now. In a relaxed state, participants “travel” to this distant future to meet their future selves. The visualization lasts about 5–6 minutes.
Afterwards, invite participants to open their eyes and silently greet the person sitting opposite them. Explain that those in the inner circle represent their future selves, whose role is to listen to their “ancestors” (those in the outer circle). The focus is on active listening rather than dialogue.
The facilitator speaks as the amplified voice of the inner circle (the future selves) and reads the following:
“I have heard that in your time, life was extremely difficult. There were wars, many people lived in poverty, and humans were destroying and exploiting nature, animals, and each other. I know that surviving mentally and physically was a real challenge. Please tell me, what was it like for you to live in that time?”
The outer circle responds for 5 minutes. Then signal the end of the time with a gentle sound, and ask the outer circle to move one seat to the right. The inner circle stays in place.
“I also know that there were people who could not accept all this, who did not resign themselves to what was happening, and who tried to create change. What did you do during that time? What was your role in creating change?”
Again, the outer circle responds for 5 minutes, then rotates one seat to the right.
“Who supported you in this effort, and how did they do so? Where did your motivation and strength come from to carry this through?”
The outer circle responds for another 5 minutes. After this round, participants stay with the same partner for the final prompt.
“It could not have been easy—you must have faced many challenges. I am here now to express my gratitude and respect for everything you have done. From my heart, I thank you for your effort, the energy you put into this, and your perseverance—even when you had doubts, felt uncertain, and did not know what to do, yet still did your best. Thank you.”
Allow about 5 minutes for responses. Participants may also enter into dialogue if they wish.
Role Switch
After sharing, the circles switch roles: those who were in the inner circle move to the outer circle and vice versa. The same process is repeated so that everyone experiences both roles.
Facilitation Notes
This exercise can evoke deep emotions. Be prepared that some participants may cry—this is a natural response when deeper feelings surface. Hold the space with acceptance.
Ensure there is enough time for closing. In a plenary circle, participants can briefly share their experiences (1–2 sentences each), to avoid over-analysis. It is recommended to have a longer break after the activity.
Variations
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Resources
Joanna Macy: Work that Reconnects
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