ACTIVITY: “LETTING GO TO MOVE FORWARD”
Goal:
Help participants understand what forgiveness feels like and how it frees them from the past.
Time:
35–45 minutes
Group Size:
6–10 people
Step 1: Start the Talk (5–10 minutes)
Ask:
- What comes to mind when you hear the word “forgiveness”?
- Is forgiveness easy or hard for you? Why?
Write a few words or phrases on the board. Keep it short and honest.
Then remind the group:
Forgiveness isn’t saying what happened was OK.
It’s saying, “I’m done letting this control me.”
Step 2: The Weight Exercise (15 minutes)
Give everyone a small rock, coin, or other object they can hold.
Say:
“This rock represents something you’re still holding on to — anger, hurt, guilt, or resentment.”
Ask them to:
- Hold the rock tight in their fist for one minute.
- Notice how their hand feels — tense, tired, tight.
- Now, open the hand and set the rock down.
Ask:
- How does your hand feel now?
- What does letting go of that rock represent?
Connect it back:
Holding on to anger feels heavy. Letting go is release — not for them, but for you.
Step 3: Quiet Reflection (10 minutes)
Pass out paper. Ask participants to write one short answer to these prompts:
- “Someone I still need to forgive is…”
- “Something I need to forgive myself for is…”
- “One step I can take this week toward forgiveness is…”
They can keep it private. No one has to share.
Step 4: Group Sharing (10 minutes, optional)
Invite anyone who wants to share what forgiveness means to them now.
Ask:
- What makes forgiving easier?
- How could forgiveness help you move forward after prison?
Keep tone supportive, not personal or heavy.
Step 5: Close the Session (5 minutes)
End with a short reminder:
Forgiveness isn’t about the past — it’s about your freedom now.
Letting go doesn’t make you weak. It makes you free.
