When you enter a public place like a city park or mall area, the last thing you might expect to see is a person lying calmly on a yoga mat. But that is precisely what one visitor saw when visiting Brickell City Centre in Miami, Florida. When questioned, the young lady said she was practicing rejection therapy.
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Rejection therapy began as a game where “players” do odd things or ask weird questions, seeking a “No” answer or rejection. The game aims to help people grow accustomed to rejection so it doesn’t hit as hard. The game has official rules, and a WikiHow describes how it works. To successfully “compete,” you must receive at least one rejection per day. A therapist might recommend the game as part of a personal awareness and growth path.
The science behind the game is that exposure to situations outside our comfort zones helps us grow bolder in our approach to all situations in life. Repeatedly hearing a “No” answer or being rejected builds a wall against rejection. This eventually helps people cope better with situations they would have previously ignored or avoided. The game’s results, including increased flexibility, lower anxiety, and greater self-confidence, can vary.
The young lady lying on the yoga mat explained to a passerby that the exercises help reduce fear of judgment from others. She learned about the concept in Dr. Aziz Gazipura’s book Not Nice. The self-help text includes several exercises readers can practice to build self-confidence.
Our current societal norms center on yes-yes-yes, me-me-me, and “participation trophies.” Acclimating oneself to rejection is sometimes necessary. If you’re not good at hearing a “No” answer, losing, or being turned away, rejection therapy could be helpful.
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