Check-in / Daily Weather Report
Who
Everyone
Source et inspiration
Inspired by activist practices designed to create an open and caring space for sharing (for example, at the beginning of a meeting)
Where
Seated in a circle or around a table
DURATION
10-15 minutes
EXERCISE DESCRIPTION
This exercise invites participants to express their feelings using a weather metaphor. Each person takes a moment to connect with their inner state and share their personal “weather report” – for example, “sunny” for joyful, “cloudy” for tired, “stormy” to describe a difficult day, or “foggy” for feeling confused. The facilitator should specify that the exercise is non-judgmental and that everyone is free to share only what they wish (or not at all). Each person shares their “daily weather” and the group listens without interruption or commentary. The facilitator can encourage the group in active listening and in fostering empathy and understanding. The facilitator closes the check-in by thanking participants for their sharings.
Similar exercises:
SMILEY POST-IT NOTE
On a post-it note, each participant draws a smiley face to represent their current mood. Each person then shares their post-it with the group and briefly explains their choice, allowing the others a better understanding of the sharer’s emotional state.
MOOD IN COLOR
Each participant chooses a color (this may be represented with a pen, a card, or a post-it) to express their current mood (for example, blue for calm, red for energy, grey for fatigue). They then share their color and briefly explain their choice.
INNER ANIMAL
Each person describes their inner state with an animal as metaphor, for example a lion for strength, a snail for a desire to slow down, a butterfly for lightness, etc.