Intersubjectivity Activity
Intersubjectivity Activity
2. Self-Reflection Journal:
o (About 200-300 words) contemplating the following questions:
Can you identify moments when you may not have been fully
present with someone?
How does empathy change the nature of your relationships?
Part 2: Practice
1. Empathy Exercise:
o Pair up with a friend, family member, or colleague (in person or via a
virtual platform). Designate one person to share a personal story or
feeling for 5 minutes while the other person listens actively, without
interruptions or judgment.
o After the story is shared, the listener will summarize what they heard
and reflect back the emotions they perceived. Switch roles after 10
minutes.
Questions to consider:
o How did it feel to listen without responding right away?
2. Availability Practice:
o Spend a day consciously practicing being emotionally available to
those around you. Take note of your interactions, noting instances
where you chose to be present in conversations without distractions
(phone, TV, etc.).
Reflection Questions:
o What challenges did you face in maintaining availability?
o How did this impact your interactions?
Part 3: Discussion
1. Authentic Dialogue Creation:
o Choose a topic of mutual interest or concern (e.g., mental health,
environmental issues, etc.) and engage in a 30-minute discussion with
your partner (from the empathy exercise) or a different individual.
o Focus on authentic dialogue characterized by openness, vulnerability,
and responsiveness.
Self-Check Questions:
o Did you keep the conversation in the "I-Thou" mode, seeing your
conversation partner as a whole person?
o How did this form of dialogue differ from your usual interactions?