Experiments with Self and
Others

This assignment takes place
over two weeks. In the first week students do something for themselves, in the
second week something for others.

The first week is an
opportunity to try something new, something that might continue for the rest of
your life, or something that you might decide is not for you. Students are
encouraged to develop their own experiments, but here are some suggestions to
help you generate ideas: take at least three yoga classes at a studio of your choosing,
or three different studios; one-week meditation everyday for 20 minutes per
session; walk outside for at least 20 minutes everyday for one week; eat
healthy for one week; abstain from something for one week: coffee, alcohol,
meat; try at least three sessions of a martial art you haven’t tried before;
begin learning a new language; watch four documentaries, etc. Past experience
suggests that the most valuable experiments are those where students take this
opportunity to choose to do things that are interesting and challenge them to
go out of your comfort zone.

The second week is an
opportunity to do something for others. Again, students are encouraged to
develop their own experiments, but here are some suggestions to help you
generate ideas: three sessions volunteering; offer to wash all household dishes
(cook all meals, do all the laundry, etc.) singlehandedly for one week; go out
of your way to help a friend, classmate, family member or stranger; research at
least three charities of interest and make a donation of time or money; host
and cook a dinner for a group of people; five notes or emails to people you
love; three letters to organizations encouraging corporate social
responsibility, etc.

You are required to write a
self-reflection report (no more than 5
pages double-spaced). Your report must including the following:

1)
Introduction: Two
to three paragraphs describing why you choose the particular experiment with
self and experiment with others, and why this was outside your comfort zone.

2)
Experiment
with self:

a.
Describe three or more experiences/insights (e.g., what
did you learn about yourself, about others, interesting story or stories,
etc.).

b.
Describe possible implications for the future (e.g., will
you continue with the chosen experiment/activity, describe why you are glad/not
glad that you choose your particular experiment, will it change your behaviour
going forward, has it changed your perspective, and so on).

3)
Experiment
with others:

a.
Describe three or more experiences/insights (e.g., what
did you learn about yourself, about others, interesting story or stories,
etc.).

b.
Describe possible implications for the future (e.g., will
you continue with the chosen experiment/activity, describe why you are glad/not
glad that you choose your particular experiment, will it change your behaviour
going forward, has it changed your perspective, and so on).

4)
Conclusion: One
to two paragraphs describing the overall experience and final thoughts.

The
Experiment with Self and Others Self-Reflection Report Rubric