Have you experienced a trust fall?

Trust falls are an exercise where a group stands in a circle, facing inward.

One person then steps forward, closes their eyes, and falls backward, trusting the others to catch them.

This seemingly simple act can be incredibly powerful and revealing.

What do trust falls say about you?

  

Recently my family got together, and we learned so much about each other simply experiencing trust falls.

Some family wanted to try the fall, some only wanted to catch, and a few didn't trust anyone to catch them!

Your reaction to a trust fall can reveal a lot about your personality and how you approach relationships and situations. 

You are a faller

Confident and Trusting - Jumping without hesitation indicates confidence in yourself and others. It suggests you are open to new experiences and willing to trust in the support of others.

Playful and Adventurous - A playful or enthusiastic reaction might suggest you are adventurous, open-minded, and enjoy trying new things.

Cautious and Analytical - If you hesitate but ultimately take the leap with some hesitation, it could indicate a balanced approach, where you weigh risks and rewards before making decisions.

You are a catcher

Responsible and Dependable - If confident in catching others, then you can be depended on and you take ownership of your actions and commitments. 

Loyal and Protective - When you feel strongly about making sure the faller is safe, you are exhibiting characteristics of being supportive during difficult times. 

You are a watcher

Risk Averse or Hesitant - If you hesitate or refuse to fall you may have a strong sense of self-preservation and are cautious about taking unnecessary risks. You may be cautious and prefer to maintain control.

Self-aware or Assertive - Watching from a distance allows you to exercise your  boundaries even in a group setting.  You may be aware of your own limitations and capabilities, and are not afraid to admit when something is beyond your comfort level. 

Lessons From A Fall

We love the idea of trust falls and all that they represent.  No matter what your stance is regarding trust falls, you can find lessons within them.  

Vulnerability 

The foundation of strong relationships involves taking risks of being open with others.  Trust falls are an exercise in vulnerability in relationships, requiring one to let go of control and trust others to support them. 

Support and Community

As the group works together to ensure the safety of the individual, we can rely on our loved ones, friends, and colleagues to help us through difficult times.

Overcoming Challenges and Fears

Many people experience fear or hesitation before taking the leap of faith in a trust fall. This can mirror the challenges we face in life, such as making difficult decisions or pursuing our dreams. Overcoming these fears and taking risks can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

Practicing Resilience 

Even if a trust fall doesn't go exactly as planned, participants can learn to bounce back and try again.  When we practiced trust falls as a team, our member Liv said she wasn't worried about falling because she "knew how to fall" from her acting training.  This type of belief in oneself is a great attitude to reduce fears and anxieties going into challenges.

Trust falls serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of trust, vulnerability, support, and resilience in our lives. By understanding the our relationship to trust falls and how we can learn from them, we can gain valuable insights into our own experiences and relationships.

I am looking forward to our next family gathering, and hope to experience a new round of trust falls.