PAID Takeaway
This quarter I had the opportunity to participate in an experimental class called (PAID) (Personal And Interpersonal Dynamics) at the Stanford d.school. For our final assignment we’ve been asked to write up a few takeaway points summarizing what we learned.
The class covered a lot of territory. We talked about the Four Agreements, the difference between the analytical and inclusive parts of the brain, Extreme Honesty, the Johari Window. There were also some very interesting meditation exercises including walking meditation, and meditation on a piece of chocolate. We experimented with dynamic storytelling, storytelling with legos (*very* interesting where that leads). All of these experiences are valuable vignettes that I’ll carry forward and hopefully be able to use later in life.
I think probably the most useful thing is that these experiences merely set the stage for areas of deeper exploration. While I expected that the class would focus mostly on interpersonal dynamics, I was repeatedly suprised to find how the interpersonal depends on the “personal”. Trying to become more aware of the inner exchange of voices and get some internal clarity and unity must surely be a first step to strong interpersonal relationships.
Here are the key abilities that I’ve noticed:
- the ability to become centered and check in with self
- the ability to be aware of thoughts without being driven by them
- the ability to be comfortable in spite of the discomfort of others
- the ability to simply and honestly say what I want without assuming that it will lead to conflict, and without feeling the fear of anticipated conflict
- the ability to recognize when a motivation or a desire is intrinsic or a result of group pressure or the desire to please
The recurring theme here seems to be knowing the difference between self and other and respecting that difference.
Of all of these, the bubbing surface of thought is perhaps the most interesting area to explore going forward.