Try It Out

Whole people exercise

Get out a pen and paper to try out this exercise designed to help us experience the importance of being whole.

Step 1:

Write down five identities or roles that you have. For example: gardener, pet parent, mother, athlete, etc.

Step 2:

Now, cross one of those identities off the list.

Step 3:

Now, cross another off the list. You should have three remaining.

Step 4:

Do it again.

Step 5: 

And do it one more time.

Step 6: 

You should be left with one identity on your paper. Now, consider: how would it make you feel if everyone knew you only through that one identity? Write down your thoughts.

Step 7:

What if that one identity was an identity that you are not proud of?

Step 8:

We live in a country where our intersecting systems primarily see people through just one identity. And often that identity is one they’re not proud of.

Think about:

• Where have you seen this happen in systems?
• Where have you seen this happen to people – where one person only sees another person or group as a single identity?