How can we create spaces where we balance compassion with uplifting boundaries and a touch of chaos ? An honest exploration with Monica Paraghamian.

Monica Paraghamian (she/her/elle) is an educator, artist and entrepreneur. When she isn’t singing gospel or working on the second edition of her children’s book on mindfulness, she’s designing and facilitating learning experiences for youth and adults. Monica believes that every person is chalk-full of talents, and that much of life is about the unfolding and exploration of these. 

-EPISODE SUMMARY-

PRACTICE 

• Sing an operatic version of la vie en rose. 
• Enact characters through musical improvisation. 
• Put on an accent and do a prank call.
• Junk playgrounds. Children go in, and figure it out ! 
• Spoil yourself for the day. 
• Explore abandoned buildings.
• Simply hold the space when someone shares a long winded story. The goal isn’t to fix problems - people figure it out & everything will be ok. 
• Experiment with different plot structures for experience design. Ex. the conclusion at the beginning. 

IDEAS

Play 

• Play is having fun and not worrying about outcomes while not harming anyone. 

Creative sharing

• Putting someone on the spot is not conducive to some sharing.  
• The key to expressing yourself is your relation to the craft. Ex. instead of thinking about insecurities, if I share other people will also want to share ! 
• Consider the blockages - why aren't I able to share on the spot ? 

Boundaries 

• Pema Chodron - idiot compassion. Allowing boundaries to co-exist with our compassion.
• By having boundaries, you are showing someone that they can also have boundaries. 
• By having strong boundaries you elevate the relationship with yourself & the other person. 

Experience Design 

• The container & space needs to feel safe. You have to properly nurture it. 
• You're hosting people before the event.
• Provide structure but also allow space to open the gates to chaos.  

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