## Introduction to Observation and Interpretation - The workshop is focused on the topic of observation and interpretation, which is compatible with the [[Bullet journal | bullet journal]] methodologies and involves idea sharing, prompts, and exercises to help participants put the concepts into practice [(00:00:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=6s). - The bullet journal method has an intentional cycle that includes getting a record of experiences, reflecting and studying them, learning, and refining to respond in desired ways, and the observation and interpretation framework adds another layer to this cycle as a personal leadership skill [(00:01:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=71s). - The adaptive leadership framework, also known as OI, consists of three stages: observation, interpretation, and intervention, which can be applied to day-to-day life as a means of leading oneself and building awareness [(00:02:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=144s). - The workshop will focus on the first two steps of the OI framework, observation and interpretation, and distinguishing between the two, using a photo as an example to illustrate how people often jump to interpretation without considering the observations that led to that conclusion [(00:03:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=188s). ## The Photo Example: Distinguishing Observation from Interpretation - The photo example shows a scene with people throwing oranges, and participants are asked to share what they think is happening in the photo, with responses ranging from a food fight to a festival, and then to break down what observations are leading them to their interpretations [(00:03:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=211s). - The actual event depicted in the photo is the Battle of the Oranges, a three-day carnival in the northern Italian town of [[Ivrea]] where 900 tons of oranges are thrown at each other [(00:06:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=399s). - The distinction between observation and interpretation is crucial, as people often jump to interpretation without having all the necessary information, and this concept will be explored further, with the goal of learning to distinguish between the two [(00:06:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=419s). ## Observing and Interpreting Human Dynamics in a Video Clip - Facial expressions can be interpreted in various ways, and it is not always clear what they mean, making it essential to separate observation from interpretation, especially when dealing with human dynamics [(00:07:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=441s). - To facilitate this process, participants are asked to split their notebook page into two sections, one for observation and one for interpretation, and to log their thoughts while watching a video clip [(00:08:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=495s). - The video clip shows a conversation between Rachel, Nick's girlfriend, and Nick's mother, where they discuss their backgrounds, professions, and family, providing an opportunity to observe and interpret human dynamics [(00:08:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=522s). - The conversation reveals that Rachel is a professor of economics at NYU, and her mother is a self-made woman who worked hard to support her family, and these details can be used to make observations and interpretations about their relationship and personalities [(00:09:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=585s). - After the video clip, participants share their observations and interpretations, with some noting that Nick's mother seemed distracted, polite but not fully present, and that Rachel seemed happy to meet her, highlighting the complexities of human interactions [(00:11:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=666s). - The discussion emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between observation and interpretation, as participants' comments often blur the line between the two, and it is essential to recognize what is being observed and what is being inferred [(00:12:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=722s). - The conversation also touches on the idea that people's interpretations can be influenced by their own biases and assumptions, and that it is crucial to be aware of these factors when interacting with others and trying to understand their thoughts and feelings [(00:12:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=751s). ## The Importance of Separating Observation from Interpretation in Daily Life - The process of observation and interpretation is crucial, as it can lead to different conclusions, such as when someone is reserved, it may not necessarily mean they hate someone, but rather they might take time to warm up to people [(00:13:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=791s). - An interaction was observed in a busy location where a son introduced his significant other to his mother, and the mother seemed reserved but attentive, which led to questions about cultural expectations and whether her behavior was appropriate [(00:14:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=848s). - The importance of separating observation from interpretation is highlighted, as different people can have varying interpretations of the same situation, such as when a partner is sitting on the couch on their phone, which can be seen as relaxing, working, or being distracted [(00:15:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=959s). - The interpretation of a situation can significantly impact how one reacts and intervenes, and it is essential to recognize that interpretations may not always be correct, making it challenging to respond appropriately [(00:17:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1037s). ## Practicing Alternative Perspectives and Slowing Down the Process - To better understand a situation, it is suggested to ask questions, such as asking the partner what's up, to clarify their intentions and avoid making assumptions based on interpretations [(00:18:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1120s). - Practicing alternative perspectives and slowing down the observation and interpretation process can help to gain a more accurate understanding of a situation and respond in a more effective way [(00:15:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=930s). - Interpretations are personal and subjective, and they can vary greatly from one person to another, as what something means to one individual may not be the same for another, and this is what makes interpretation a unique and individual experience [(00:19:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1143s). - There is a space between observation and interpretation, where humans, being meaning-making machines, tend to fill in the blanks with their own worldview, past experiences, insecurities, fears, hopes, and assumptions, often without realizing it [(00:19:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1193s). - This filling in of blanks can happen quickly, and using writing and rituals can help slow down the process, allowing individuals to see what each of these things is within themselves and to identify the lens they are using to interpret an event [(00:21:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1266s). ## The Power and Long-Lasting Effects of Interpretation - A personal anecdote illustrates how interpretation can go wrong, as a friend, Ivonne, misinterpreted a past interaction, thinking that the other person did not like her, when in fact, the other person had no memory of the event and would have guessed that they were trying to put her face to her name [(00:22:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1351s). - This misinterpretation had been weighing on Ivonne for years, showing how powerful and long-lasting the effects of interpretation can be, and how important it is to be aware of one's own interpretations and to check them against reality [(00:23:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1411s). - Different people may have different interpretation styles, such as embellishing stories or using dramatic language, which can create a more intense or dramatic world than necessary, and being aware of these tendencies can help individuals to interpret events more accurately [(00:24:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1465s). ## Distinguishing Between Events and Interpretations - The process of logging events in a notebook can tell a completely different story, and it's essential to distinguish between events and interpretations, as seen in the example of someone having a "resting mad face" that can be misinterpreted as being angry when they're not, [(00:25:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1512s). - People often make assumptions about others' feelings or intentions, such as assuming someone is not interested when, in fact, they might be, as illustrated by the story of having a crush on someone in high school who turned out to have feelings as well, [(00:25:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1530s). - Breaking down interpretations can help understand experiences better, for instance, when writing about a first date with Jamie, it's essential to separate the event from the interpretation, such as recognizing that the date was amazing and then identifying the specific observations that led to that conclusion, like talking back and forth all night or feeling at ease, [(00:26:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1567s). - Meetings at work can also be subject to interpretation, and it's crucial to break down the event from the judgment, such as recognizing that a meeting didn't go well and then identifying the specific reasons why, like not accomplishing the meeting goals or receiving critical feedback, [(00:27:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1660s). - Clarifying interpretations can help avoid misunderstandings, as seen in the example of someone yawning, which can be misinterpreted as boredom when it might be something else, and it's essential to ask questions to understand the actual reason behind the behavior, [(00:28:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1718s). - There's a fuzzy line between events and notes, and events should be something that happened, such as people having critical feedback at a meeting, while notes can be the specific details of that feedback, [(00:29:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1759s). - Breaking down interpretations can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others, as illustrated by the example of thinking someone is mad, like Claire, and then investigating the reasons behind that interpretation, such as recognizing that she's texting less than usual, [(00:30:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1821s). ## Breaking Down Observations for Better Understanding - Being able to mark additional notes and consider alternative interpretations is important because it helps to stretch out what is seen in the world and the stories that are being told, allowing for a pause to decide what to do about a situation, and this process can help to stop being controlled by one's own feelings [(00:31:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1869s). - Breaking down observations into smaller parts allows for a more objective understanding of what is being seen, and this can be helpful when asking for clarification from others, as it enables the ability to say "I noticed these behaviors, I'm wondering what's up" instead of making assumptions or interpretations [(00:32:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1926s). - Approaching others with observations instead of interpretations can help to avoid putting them on the defensive, as it gives them the opportunity to share what is actually going on, and this can be illustrated by saying "Hey, I noticed that you weren't making eye contact, you were on your phone" instead of "Hey, you're being disrespectful by showing up late" [(00:32:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=1953s). - Presenting someone with observable behaviors instead of interpretations can help to save emotional turmoil and give them the opportunity to share what is actually going on, as seen in the example of asking "Hey, are things all right?" and receiving the response "I'm in Miami for work" [(00:33:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2012s). ## Mindfulness and Creating a Pause Before Reacting - Engaging with practices like Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and using tools like [[Bullet journal | bullet journals]] can help to increase mindfulness and create a pause before reacting to situations, which can be especially helpful for individuals with ADHD who may tend to process and move on quickly [(00:34:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2049s). - Recognizing the difference between observations and interpretations can help to avoid jumping to conclusions, as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of situations and can help to avoid assuming the worst or making incorrect assumptions [(00:35:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2103s). - Writing down thoughts and observations can provide space to reflect and consider alternative perspectives, which can help to reduce turmoil and increase understanding, as seen in the example of reframing the thought "he used logic to minimize how I was feeling" to consider the facts of the situation [(00:35:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2149s). ## Conflict as an Opportunity for Understanding - Conflict can be an opportunity to understand more about oneself and add the data of feelings to gain insight, as seen in a personal experience where feelings of hurt and not being understood arose, and identifying these emotions can help uncover what one needs and how to ask for it [(00:36:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2181s). - In a conflict situation, taking a step back to understand one's thoughts and feelings can be helpful, and writing it down can provide clarity, as was done by sitting on the couch and typing out thoughts and feelings to process the experience [(00:37:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2261s). - The use of logic to minimize feelings can be a reaction to conflict, but it's essential to understand the underlying needs and emotions, as was discovered in a conversation where one person's use of logic was actually a way to cope with their own emotions and history with anger [(00:38:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2282s). - Identifying behaviors and understanding the underlying feelings and needs can help resolve conflicts in a healthy and fulfilling way for all parties involved, and tools like the [[Nonviolent Communication]] book club and [[Bullet journal | bullet journal]] methodology can be helpful in this process [(00:39:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2363s). - Writing down thoughts and feelings and revisiting them later can be a helpful tool for processing and understanding conflicts, and seeking outside perspectives, such as talking to a chatbot like Chat GPT, can also provide new insights and help reframe requests [(00:39:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2387s). ## Mindful and Intentional Communication through Reflection - Practicing mindfulness and being aware of one's thoughts and reactions can help create space for more mindful and intentional communication, and regularly reflecting on one's experiences, such as looking at logs from the past seven days, can help increase mindfulness and awareness [(00:41:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2489s). - Reviewing past notes and logs to identify entries that can be rewritten to better distinguish between observations and interpretations, and exploring why certain interpretations were made, is a useful exercise to gain clarity and insight [(00:42:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2520s). ## Reviewing and Rewriting Entries for Clarity and Insight - Setting a timer to dedicate a specific amount of time, such as five minutes, to review and reflect on notes and logs can help individuals get started with this exercise and make progress [(00:42:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2560s). - If someone hasn't written many emotional notes or feelings in their log, it may be worth considering why this is the case and whether they want to change their approach to recording their thoughts and feelings [(00:43:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2581s). - Individuals may keep records of their thoughts and feelings in other places, such as text messages to friends, social media posts, or conversations with partners or family members, and it can be helpful to gather these entries and add them to a notebook [(00:43:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2595s). - Rewriting entries to make them more specific and detailed can help individuals identify their next actions and address technical issues or emotional reactions, and can also provide clarity on what their feelings are telling them [(00:44:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2663s). ## Applying Observation and Interpretation to Emotions - The exercise of distinguishing between observations and interpretations can be applied to both events and emotions, and is not intended to suppress or minimize feelings, but rather to loosen the grip of anxiety or other strong emotions and gain a deeper understanding of oneself [(00:45:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2743s). - Strong emotions or reactions can be viewed as events in themselves, and can be explored and understood by considering why they are happening and what they may be telling the individual [(00:46:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2807s). - Noting and exploring emotions, such as anxiety, can help individuals acknowledge and address them more deeply, and can provide insight into why they are experiencing certain feelings and what they may be trying to tell them [(00:47:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2854s). - It is essential to take time to address and understand feelings, rather than skipping over them or immediately reacting to a situation, and this process can be done at any moment, not just in the heat of the moment [(00:47:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2869s). - Noting feelings can be helpful as it provides clues about what is on track and what is off track, and it allows for reflection on statements made without further thought, such as the statement "Everyone is falling apart right now, including me" [(00:48:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2920s). ## Slowing Down Interpretation and Reaction in Real Life - When interpreting a situation, it is possible to jump to conclusions, such as assuming a partner doesn't care to connect based on a short phone call, but it's also possible to consider alternative explanations and ask questions to gain a better understanding [(00:49:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2952s). - The adaptive leadership model involves observation, interpretation, and intervention, but in real life, interpretation and reaction often happen quickly, and it's necessary to slow down and break down the interpretation to understand the facts and create alternative possibilities [(00:50:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3022s). - To work on slowing down interpretation and reaction, it's possible to use a [[Bullet journal | bullet journal]] to revisit entries, reflect on feelings and thoughts, and explore different perspectives, which can help in choosing an intervention that aligns with intentions and values [(00:52:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3151s). - Practicing generous interpretation, which involves catching thoughts and interpretations and considering alternative explanations, can help in understanding situations better and reacting more thoughtfully, such as considering that someone who cut you off while driving might be in an emergency situation [(00:49:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=2991s). - The process of slowing down, reflecting, and exploring different perspectives is not always easy and requires experimentation and practice to develop a new perspective and choose a more thoughtful intervention [(00:52:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3142s). - Observing and interpreting situations can lead to alternative perspectives, and it is essential to consider these alternatives to expand one's thinking and avoid getting hooked on a single story, which can be achieved by reviewing and journaling observations throughout the day [(00:53:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3182s). ## Compassion, Curiosity, and Human Dynamics - Practicing compassion and curiosity during rituals can help individuals understand their thoughts and emotions, and identify what they are filling a particular space with and why, allowing them to see things from a different perspective [(00:53:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3238s). - Human dynamics play a significant role in shaping interpretations, and working with others to understand their perspectives can help individuals meet each other's needs and goals through shared understanding, which is crucial in resolving conflicts and improving relationships [(00:54:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3265s). - The [[Four Noble Truths | four noble truths]], including creating one's own suffering, can be a valuable concept to explore and apply to daily life, as it can help individuals recognize and address their own thought patterns and behaviors that may be causing them distress [(00:55:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3343s). ## Reducing Cognitive Load and Increasing Self-Awareness - Writing down thoughts and emotions can help reduce cognitive load and increase self-awareness, as Wendy noted, by dumping out the analyzing and thoughts that are taking up mental space, or "RAM," and allowing for a clearer and more observant mind [(00:56:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3370s). - Reviewing and journaling social media posts, logging emotions, and practicing curiosity can help individuals learn from their experiences, pause before jumping to interpretations, and develop a more nuanced understanding of themselves and the world around them [(00:56:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3418s). ## The Importance of Pausing and Seeking Clarification - A personal anecdote about a [[Bullet journal | bullet journal]] workshop illustrates the importance of pausing and seeking clarification before reacting to a situation, as it can help individuals avoid misinterpretations and respond in a more thoughtful and compassionate manner [(00:57:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3449s). - The team was meeting for their annual retreat in Arizona, which is the one state in the US that does not observe daylight savings time, a fact that could have led to an initial misinterpretation if not considered [(00:58:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3517s). - Creating space to expand on a moment can allow for a choice in how to react, and this skill has been found to be highly valuable and worth practicing on a daily basis [(00:59:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3549s). ## Conclusion and Invitation to Share Experiences - The practice of observation and interpretation can be applied to all parts of life and has been considered the most valuable skill learned, with the hope that it can enhance the practice of others as well [(00:59:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3574s). - There is an invitation to share experiences and feedback in the BJO space for those who decide to try out this practice, with the offer to stick around and answer any remaining questions [(00:59:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE&t=3591s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ryKQflf6fE?si=s9MADsN4bpW6NzdT)