Reflecting on the Myth of the Phoenix
Relevant topics: The following are some of the themes that could be considered under this proposed activity:
+ Renewal
Hope
Opportunity
Optimism
Cycles and stages
Activity proposals
Basic reading material: Click here to read about the myth of the Phoenix Questions for reflection in small groups, followed by a plenary discussion:
Why might different cultures be interested in a story about starting over?
When can a defeat be the beginning of a new stage?
What does hope depend on?
Does starting over mean forgetting the past?
Is it always possible to start over? What do we need? What might others need?
To what extent is it possible to learn from mistakes?
What is needed in order to see an opportunity in one’s weaknesses?
Other alternatives with a playful profile
The group is divided into two teams; each team draws up a list of five very complicated work/school/sports situations that seem to have no solution. The lists are then swapped, and each team must propose an optimistic way out for each of those situations.
Search the media for stories of people who have started over after very difficult situations, and put together a newspaper selecting all that material.
The glass half full, the glass half empty. What is the secret of those who know how to see the glass half full in the face of adversity? Discuss the relationship between optimism and personality.