The Repeating Question
The Repeating Question is a structured walking exercise designed to cultivate presence and self-awareness by focusing attention on what is truly enjoyable and important in life. Through repeated inquiry and reflection, participants gain insights into their attentional patterns and identify actionable steps to align their focus with their values.
Use this method when you want participants to become more mindful of their attention, connect with their values, and build deeper connections with each other through active listening and sharing.
Solves: Lack of focus, disconnection from personal values, superficial conversations, difficulty being present.
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Step 1: Individual Reflection (20 mins). Ask participants to individually brainstorm answers to: 'What do you find important in life?' and 'What do you enjoy in life?' Provide a handout with prompts.
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Step 2: Group Discussion: What is Attention? (10 mins). Facilitate a plenary discussion to define 'attention.' Write keywords on a board. Introduce the concepts of attention being selective and limited.
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Step 3: Walk & Talk (25 mins). Have participants pair up and walk outside. One person speaks for 5 minutes, answering the repeating question: 'What do you find enjoyable and important in life?' The other listens. Then, they switch roles. Upon return, allow 10 minutes for individual written reflection.
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Step 4: Group Debrief & Attention Theory (15 mins). Facilitate a group reflection on their experiences. Introduce concepts like inward/outward and narrow/broad attention. Share the Theory of Attention handout.
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Step 5: Transfer to Daily Life (15 mins). Ask participants to define a small, concrete step to apply in daily life to intentionally shift their attention. Have them share their steps and provide peer feedback.
- Provide personal examples to encourage vulnerability.
- Emphasize the importance of active listening during the 'Walk & Talk' phase.
- Remind participants that the goal is observation, not perfection.
- Use different repeating questions tailored to specific themes (e.g., 'What are you grateful for?', 'What energizes you?')
- Integrate mindfulness exercises before the walk to enhance presence.