Stop Action!
The purpose of this exercise is to slow the action down between 2 people. It will prevent small arguments or statements from escalating. It gives both parties a chance to think and reflect. This exercise is most effective when both people follow all the steps.
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Person B makes a negative or hurtful statement to person A.
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Person A holds up his hand and says “stop action I feel__________________”
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Person B validates person A’s feelings by saying “I understand how you feel”
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Person B then changes his previous statement to a positive statement.
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Person A gives feedback to person B as to whether or not the statement was positive.
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Person A continues to give feedback to person B until he receives a positive statement.
Once the exercise is over. Both person A and person B are advised to write down what they experienced.