003.30 ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
We spend much of our days surrounded by distractions, but we are also surrounded by untapped restorative potential. This activity helps us to locate these elements in our environment so that we can can more intentionally access or avoid them in our daily patterns.
EXPLORE
ALLIES AND ADVERSARIES
Preparation
This is a solo or group activity.
Time varies, but spend about an hour to start.
Grab plenty of paper and several markers.
(11x17 paper is great for this.)
Instructions
Create a very rough sketch of your library campus.
Walk around the library, looking for restorative places. These are allies. Mark and label them in one color.
Walk the same route again, looking for depleting places. These are adversaries. Mark and label them in a different color.
Extend
Redraw the map for tidiness, accuracy, or fun. Illustrate the different areas and color-code them.
Draw paths through the library that increase your access to restoration and avoid depleting places.
Expand your map if you did not include both in and outside the library.
Map your home, neighborhood, and commute.
Consider
How much time do you typically spend near allies? How much time do you spend near adversaries?
Can you change anything in your life to experience more allies? What support would you need? Who can help?
