Half Empty-Half Full

Intention:

When addressing any issue, the perspective adopted defines the questions and the answers that will be generated. When we perceive a glass as ‘half empty,’ we focus on the lack or scarcity of a certain substance, asking ourselves ‘What is missing?’ While we grieve over the deficits and deficiencies, the contents of the glass can spill, spoil, or evaporate. When the same glass is perceived as ‘half full,’ we focus on the existence, availability and potential of the existing substance, asking ourselves ‘What do we have?’ By doing so, we can use the contents of the glass in useful and creative ways, and possibly expand them.

The process of evaluating a person or situation should include a careful examination of existing strengths, skills, and resources, as well as weaknesses, problems, and needs. We are invited to do our self-evaluation as well as that of our significant others, as it may benefit our relationships.

Instruction:

Imagine yourself (or the person in question) as a glass whose content reaches the glass’ midpoint.

Describe what is ‘present’ and ‘absent’ in the container, listing what you consider to be the main deficits (weaknesses, problems, needs) in the top/empty part of the symbolic glass, and what you consider the top assets (strengths, skills, resources) in the bottom/full part of the glass.

Reflect on the process and on what is listed on each part by answering the following questions.

Inspection:

·       What did you discover or learn in the process of listing strengths and weaknesses?

·       What was easier to identify, the positive, or the problematic?

·       Could this exercise encourage you to try a change in attitude and perspective to one that is more balanced and inclusive?

·       What emotional reactions were evoked by this exercise?

·       Do you tend to perceive the vessels of life as ‘half full’ or ‘half empty’?

HALF EMPTY, HALF FULL

Half Empty Space

(weaknesses, problems, needs)

Half Full Space

(strengths, skills, resources)