Exercises and Personal Choice
A HAI workshop consists of exercises that are usually done in pairs or small groups.
Each exercise is an invitation, never an obligation. Every participant decides at all times whether to take part and how deeply they wish to engage. We cannot know what feels right or appropriate for you in any given moment, but we want to support you in discovering that for yourself.
The exercises are designed to help each participant find their own path and gain greater clarity about their behaviour, needs, wishes, and personal choices.
You may find yourself exploring questions such as:
- Why do I make certain decisions?
- Is this the right choice for me, or is there an alternative?
- Do I fully stand behind my choices?
- Would I prefer something different?
- Am I honest with myself and others?
- Do I clearly express a YES or NO when I feel it?
The exercises are generally simple and based on everyday situations. The focus is on becoming more aware of how we make decisions and asking ourselves: Are my choices serving me?
Sharing Experiences and Authentic Communication
An essential part of the exercises, and of the workshop as a whole, is the opportunity to share your experiences, both from before and during the workshop.
This is an invitation to show up and be seen as your authentic self, and an opportunity to be more honest and open than you might normally feel comfortable being in everyday life.
HAI introduces communication techniques closely related to Nonviolent Communication, based on active listening and taking responsibility for how we express our thoughts and opinions.
Mindful Touch and Connection
Most exercises also include an invitation to experience mindful touch.
These interactions are not massages and are not sexually motivated. They are simply gentle, respectful, and sensitive forms of human connection, such as a hug.
Exploring Sexuality with Awareness
Although one of the workshop themes is our relationship with sexuality, HAI workshops do NOT teach sexual practices.
Instead, the focus is on awareness, mindfulness, and honesty. The aim is to share information and knowledge about sexuality rather than approach the subject through prejudice or shame.
The relevance of this topic is also reflected in the media, where television has featured programmes exploring sexuality and sex therapy.
Finding Out More About the Exercises
It is neither possible nor particularly helpful to describe every exercise you may encounter during a workshop.
If you would like to know more, you are welcome to contact our office. We will be happy to explain what you can expect.
Alternatively, you can attend a three-hour HAI Mini-Workshop, offered in various regions. These introductory workshops give you a good impression of the exercises and the general HAI approach.
Discovering Your Own Patterns
In everyday life, we rarely know exactly what situations we will encounter, yet we still need to respond to them in the moment.
An important part of the HAI experience is becoming aware of our conscious and unconscious patterns of behaviour. Within the safe environment of the workshops, we have the opportunity to explore these patterns and discover which ones serve us and which no longer do.