When I was doing corporate and educational training, I had this psych-related exercise that I used to give to my trainees. I’m unable to dig up my original materials right now, but I remember calling it something like “The Zoo of You.”*
If you want, you can do this exercise as well right now.
Anyway, the exercise begins with asking everyone to think of three animals.
When you’re ready, give the first animal that you thought of a characteristic or trait. For example, you may have thought of an elephant. What’s the first characteristic that comes to mind when you think of an elephant? Sensitive, smart, beautiful…?
Then, give your second animal a characteristic or trait as well.
Finally, do the same with the third animal that you thought of.
Remember these animals and characteristics/traits.
Click on “Read More” if you wish to find out more about this exercise…
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Michael Shaffer 08.14.05 at 5:48 pm
My animals:
1. Tiger – dangerous
2. Otter – playful
3. Dog – loyal
Interesting! Especially since I didn’t read what the animals meant first. If I had, I definitely would have answered differently. I guess that’s the point, though.
Regards
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JO 08.15.05 at 5:14 am
hi shai,
off topic – FYI. you’re in my last post.
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asianway 08.15.05 at 7:46 am
Horse – endurance and freedom on the open range
bear – strength and awarenss of self
fox = knowledge and cunning efficiency
Hmmm… when I tried to think of three, I visualized just one and it was a mix of these three. It was visual and it was kinda like overlapping photographic slides.
As I sorted them out, they came out in this order but it’s not like I though of them in this order. Thinking back I suspect I thought of bear first, and had to figure out what the fox was before I could name it.
You are a psychologist, right? Doesn’t it take cognitive energy to actually NAME the thing, and doesn;t that kind ablow this exercise since you really want the animals you THOUGHT OF first?
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Shai Coggins 08.15.05 at 8:35 am
Michael: Thanks for playing and sharing.
Yes, that’s the point of it. You shouldn’t know what it means first. It’s how you come up with discussions on whether you agree or disagree with the interpretations — and why.
Jo: Wow! Thanks. That’s really great! I’m honoured. I’m friends with Junnie and AnP, so it’s nice to be in good company in your list.
Asianway: Thanks for sharing too. With regards to your questions — on point #1, yes I am. Although, to be strict about it, I still have a few technical things to take care of since moving here to Oz. On point #2 – yes, it’s a cognitive exercise. A light one, but cognitive nevertheless. On Point #3 – I’m not quite sure what you mean with your question. But, if you’re asking whether ornot it’s supposed to be that you really want the animal (and the trait that goes with it) FIRST — Well, in my experience of this exercise, yes. Hence, the interpretation that that animal tends to be who you think you are. It may or may not be who you really are and/or who you think other people think you are… Okay – is that confusing or what?
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carly 08.17.05 at 1:19 pm
hmm…cat-sleepy
rabbit – sniffy
fish – swimmy
i dunno
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Alanna Spence 08.18.05 at 5:12 am
Giraffe: Shy
Elephant: Loyal – loyal’s not quite the right word but it’ll do.
Lion: Strong
Wow! That was fun. Mine turned out pretty nicely for me.
I found your site while doing some procrasintating on my book project. I am also a painter and freelance writer. Stop by the angrypirate sometime.
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