Lesson Plan
Self-Perception Deep Dive Facilitator Guide
Participants will critically examine internal dialogue and external influences on body image to foster self-awareness and begin a journey toward more positive self-perception.
Understanding the roots of our body image is essential for personal growth and well-being. This lesson provides tools to deconstruct harmful narratives and build a foundation for self-acceptance, empowering adults to cultivate a healthier relationship with their bodies.
Audience
Adult Learners
Time
90 minutes
Approach
Through guided discussion, reflective exercises, and group activities.
Materials
Unpacking Body Image Narratives (slide-deck), Mirror, Mirror Reflection Exercise (activity), Societal Pressures Roundtable (discussion), and My Body Story Prompts (journal)
Prep
Facilitator Preparation
30 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Self-Perception Deep Dive Facilitator Guide, Unpacking Body Image Narratives, Mirror, Mirror Reflection Exercise, Societal Pressures Roundtable, and My Body Story Prompts.
- Ensure technology is ready for the Unpacking Body Image Narratives slide deck.
- Arrange seating for group discussion (e.g., a circle or U-shape).
- Print copies of My Body Story Prompts if preferred over digital access, one per participant.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up: What's Your First Thought?
10 minutes
- Welcome participants and introduce the session topic: body image and self-perception.
- Begin with a quick warm-up: Ask participants to privately consider the first word or phrase that comes to mind when they think of "body image." (No sharing required at this stage).
- Briefly explain the objective and why this conversation is important (referencing the 'Why' section of the lesson plan).
Step 2
Exploring Body Image Narratives
25 minutes
- Present the Unpacking Body Image Narratives slide deck.
- Facilitate discussion around the slides, encouraging participants to share initial thoughts and experiences related to internal dialogue and external influences.
- Use guiding questions from the slide deck to prompt deeper reflection.
Step 3
Mirror, Mirror Reflection Exercise
20 minutes
- Introduce the Mirror, Mirror Reflection Exercise activity.
- Provide clear instructions for the activity, emphasizing a safe and non-judgmental space.
- Allow time for individual reflection and then invite voluntary sharing in small groups or as a whole group, if comfortable. Remind participants they can pass if they prefer.
Step 4
Societal Pressures Roundtable
20 minutes
- Transition to the Societal Pressures Roundtable discussion.
- Explain the purpose: to explore how external factors shape body image.
- Facilitate the discussion using the provided prompts, ensuring all voices are heard and respected. Encourage active listening and empathetic responses.
Step 5
My Body Story & Closing Reflection
15 minutes
- Introduce the My Body Story Prompts journal as a tool for continued personal reflection.
- Explain that this is for individual, private reflection and can be done during the session or taken home.
- Lead a brief closing discussion: "What is one new insight or takeaway you are leaving with today?"
- Thank participants for their openness and engagement.
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Slide Deck
Welcome: How Do You See Yourself?
Today, we'll explore:
- What shapes our body image
- Internal thoughts and external messages
- Steps towards a more positive self-perception
A safe space for open discussion and reflection.
Please remember that sharing is always optional.
Welcome participants. Introduce the topic of body image and self-perception, emphasizing that this is a safe space for open discussion. Briefly go over the agenda for the session.
What Is Body Image?
It's more than just what you look like. It's:
- How you perceive your body.
- How you feel about your body.
- The thoughts you have about your body.
- The actions you take related to your body.
It's a complex mix of feelings, perceptions, and beliefs.
Ask participants to reflect on what "body image" means to them. Facilitate a brief, open discussion without judgment. Encourage participants to share initial thoughts if they feel comfortable.
The Inner Critic: Our Internal Dialogue
We all have an inner voice.
What does yours say about your body?
- Positive Self-Talk: "My body is strong."
- Negative Self-Talk: "I wish my body looked different."
This dialogue shapes how we feel daily.
Introduce the concept of internal dialogue. Ask: "What are some common things you tell yourself about your body? Are these thoughts always kind?" Allow for brief sharing, or have participants jot down a few words privately.
External Echoes: Societal Influences
Our world is full of messages about bodies:
- Media: Social media, advertisements, TV shows.
- Culture: Beauty standards, fashion trends.
- Family & Friends: Comments, comparisons.
These messages can be powerful and often contradictory.
Discuss external influences. Prompt: "Where do these messages come from? (e.g., media, family, friends, culture). How do they make us feel?" Highlight the often unrealistic standards portrayed.
Unpacking Our Body Image Narratives
A narrative is the story we tell ourselves about something.
- How did your personal body story begin?
- What chapters have been added by others?
- How can we start to rewrite our own stories?
Explain the concept of "narratives." "A narrative is a story we tell ourselves, often influenced by both internal and external factors. What stories have you absorbed about your own body?" Link this to the next activity.
Reflection Time: Mirror, Mirror
Let's take some time for personal reflection.
We will engage in the Mirror, Mirror Reflection Exercise to explore our immediate perceptions and feelings about our bodies.
This is a chance to observe, not to judge.
Introduce the 'Mirror, Mirror Reflection Exercise' here. Explain that this is a personal, individual reflection to be done first, followed by optional sharing. Emphasize self-compassion.
Group Discussion: Societal Pressures
Now, let's explore how societal expectations and media impact our body image collectively.
We will use the Societal Pressures Roundtable to guide our conversation.
Transition to the societal pressures discussion. Remind participants of the goal: to understand the broad impact of external factors. Emphasize respectful dialogue.
Continuing the Journey: My Body Story
Self-perception is an ongoing journey.
The My Body Story Prompts journal is designed to help you:
- Reflect on your past experiences.
- Understand your present feelings.
- Envision a more positive future for your body image.
Introduce the journal activity as a tool for continued self-exploration. Explain its purpose for deeper, private work. Encourage participants to continue this reflection beyond the session.
Key Takeaways & Moving Forward
What is one insight you are taking with you today?
Remember:
- You are more than your body.
- Self-compassion is a powerful tool.
- Your story is yours to write.
Thank you for sharing this journey!
Conclude the session. Ask for one key takeaway from each person (optional). Thank everyone for their participation and openness. Reiterate the importance of self-compassion.
Activity
Mirror, Mirror Reflection Exercise
Objective: To encourage immediate, non-judgmental self-observation and awareness of one's physical self and the thoughts that arise.
Instructions:
- Find Your Space: If possible, find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably and undisturbed. You will need a mirror, or you can imagine looking into one if a physical mirror isn't available.
- Observe Your Reflection: Take a few moments to simply look at yourself in the mirror (or in your mind's eye). Observe your features, your expression, your posture. Try to approach this with a sense of curiosity, as if you are seeing yourself for the first time.
- Notice Your Thoughts & Feelings: As you observe, pay attention to the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that arise. Do not try to change them or judge them. Simply notice what comes up.
- What is your immediate reaction?
- Are there any specific parts of your body your eyes are drawn to?
- What internal dialogue starts to play?
- What emotions do you feel (e.g., comfort, discomfort, neutrality, joy, sadness)?
- Journal Your Observations (Optional but Recommended): Use the space below to quickly jot down keywords, phrases, or short sentences that describe your observations without judgment. This is not about criticism, but about honest self-awareness.
- Reflect (Privately or Shared): Consider the following questions. You may reflect on them privately, or if the group environment feels safe, you may choose to share a brief, non-judgmental observation with the group:
- Was it easy or difficult to simply observe without judgment?
- What surprised you about your internal experience during this exercise?
- How did your initial thoughts compare to how you felt after a few moments of observation?
Discussion
Societal Pressures Roundtable
Objective: To facilitate a collective exploration of how external factors (media, culture, social circles) contribute to and shape our body image perceptions.
Instructions:
- Sit in a circle to foster an open and egalitarian discussion.
- Listen actively to others without interruption.
- Share your thoughts and experiences when prompted, knowing that your perspective is valuable.
- Remember that everyone's experience is valid, and we aim for understanding, not agreement.
Discussion Prompts:
- Media Messages:
- What are some of the most common messages about ideal bodies that you encounter in advertising, social media, or entertainment?
- How do these messages make you feel about your own body?
- Can you recall a specific instance where a media portrayal significantly impacted your self-perception?
- Cultural Standards:
- Are there specific cultural beauty standards or expectations that have influenced your body image, either positively or negatively?
- How have these standards changed over time, or how do they differ across different cultures you might be aware of?
- Social Circles & Upbringing:
- What messages about bodies did you receive growing up from family, friends, or school? How have these messages stayed with you?
- Have you ever felt pressure from your social group to look a certain way? How did you navigate that?
- Challenging the Narrative:
- What are some ways we can collectively challenge or resist these societal pressures?
- How can we support each other in developing more resilient and positive body images?
Journal
My Body Story Prompts
Objective: To encourage deeper personal reflection on one's unique journey with body image, identifying key influences, emotions, and aspirations for a healthier self-perception. This is a private reflection space.
Instructions:
- Find a quiet moment to reflect on each prompt.
- Write honestly and openly; there are no right or wrong answers.
- This is for your personal growth; you do not need to share anything you write.
Journal Prompts:
- Early Memories: What is one of your earliest memories related to your body or how you perceived your physical self? Was it positive, negative, or neutral? Who was involved in this memory?
- Turning Points: Can you identify a specific event, comment, or experience that significantly shifted how you felt about your body? Describe the event and its impact.
- Internal Dialogue Today: What is your most common internal dialogue about your body right now? Is it mostly kind, critical, or a mix? Give an example of a thought you often have.
- External Influences You Still Feel: Which external influences (media, family, culture, friends) do you feel still have the strongest impact on your body image today? How do you notice this impact?
- Rewriting Your Story: If you could rewrite a part of your body story, what would you change? What new narrative or belief about your body would you like to cultivate moving forward?
- Practicing Compassion: What is one small, concrete action you can take this week to practice more self-compassion towards your body?