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Spiral Journal

Quietly collect your thoughts before a discussion by responding to a short series of open-ended prompts, then share what stands out. Adapted from Liberating Structures (https://www.liberatingstructures.com/spiral-journal), licensed CC BY-NC 3.0.

by Andrew Davis · Version 1 · Download .md

3 parts · 9 phases

Part 1 On your own
Intro Host-paced

Take a few quiet minutes to prepare for the work ahead. Grab paper and a pen. If you like, fold the paper into four quadrants and draw a slow spiral outward from the center — a calming way to settle in. Respond to each prompt as it comes.

  1. First prompt: What's present for me right now is... 2 min
  2. Second prompt: What I'm hoping for from today is... 2 min
  3. Third prompt: What's getting in the way is... 2 min
  4. Fourth prompt: One thing I could let go of is... 2 min
  5. Circle what stands out 2 min

    Read back over your responses and circle one or two ideas that stand out or surprise you.

Part 2 In small groups Rooms of 3
Intro Host-paced
  1. Share your circled ideas 3 min

    Take turns sharing the ideas you circled.

Part 3 Everyone
  1. Key insights and common themes 3 min

    A few people share key insights or themes that came up.