Brain Box Exploration 110 minutes

1
Brain Box - Exploration 1 10 minutes One object
in the Brain Box epitomizes qualities of being
adaptive that are of most significance to you (as
an individual). Intuitively select an object.
Avoid intellectualizing and/or rationalizing your
choice. Take it in your hands. Now imagine what
this object is conveying to you. Explore its
qualities both physical and metaphorical. HINT
Is its constitution complex, simple,
indeterminate? Is it reflective in any way?Is it
functional? Does it have single or multiple
functions? Is its substance of naturally
occurringor manufactured origin? A blend of
both?Is light, heavy, yielding, sharp, soft? Etc
etc Allow your mind free reign to explore, muse,
stretch itself. As you do so, note down someof
your thoughts to reflect on later.
2
Brain Box - Exploration 2 10 minutes Imagine the
objects in the Brain Box are able to alert you to
a vitally important aspect of effectively
adapting to the impacts of climate climate change
that has been totally overlooked. Intuitively
select an object. Avoid intellectualizing and/or
rationalizing your choice. Holding your chosen
object in your hands, attend as closely and as
deeply as you can to it to its being. Imagine it
is transmitting this crucial knowledge to
you. Allow your eyes/hands/mind/body to be as
receptive as possible to whatever arises. Try and
observe if/where your mind resists this kind of
engagement. Take a moment to note down some
thoughts/responses to reflect on later.
3
Brain Box - Exploration 3 10 minutes Choose an
object at random from the Brain Box. Starting
with the person sitting to the left of the ICLEI
host, pass your object clockwise steadily around
the table, person to person. As you receive the
circulating object into your hands, find at least
one aspect or characteristic that it has in
common with your own object. Share this out loud
with the group at your table. Repeat this one
person at a time so each person at the table
circulates their object in turn. If your mind is
unwilling/unable to discern any common aspects
with an object that comes into your hands just
pass it on. Remember there are no right or wrong
answers and it is not a group think tank. Allow
the person currently holding the object to speak
(or not) uninterrupted.
4

• Reflection and Discussion 15 minutes
• You are invited to reflect on the following
  questions (for about 5 minutes) and then enjoy
  some discussion with your fellow participants
  about your experiences.
• In the short experience you have just had using
  the Brain Box
• Were you able to notice how your mind adapted to
  this form of thinking?Was it willing? Able? Did
  it offer resistance and get distracted? Did it
  perhaps welcome the opportunity to use dormant
  skills?Was it curious and friendly towards the
  experience? Was it hostile and closed?
• Consider what this implies for your ability to
  both be adaptive and do adaptation.