idk

idk is an Deck of cards as non-fiction medium by Vaughn Tan designed to support productive discomfort, inspired by his work on The Uncertainty Mindset - Tan.

From its marketing copy:

Each of the 54 idk cards suggests something you can do to be intentionally uncomfortable. This can be something you’re reluctant to do, something you dislike, or something unfamiliar—but it is always designed to help you grow and learn as a result. idk can be used repeatedly and indefinitely.

Log

2021-06-11

• “Choose something non-essential that you do every morning before you begin work. Do this thing a different way.”
  • Chose to meditate this morning sitting cross-legged on the floor, instead of on the couch as usual. I normally feel a bit conflicted about my typical practice, since I can tell the couch encourages a relaxed, less-alert posture. The couch makes a proper upright meditation posture impossible because it positions my hips below my knees. Anyway, I normally meditate on the couch because Shabu comes over and lies down next to me, and I like having a meditation buddy. But of course she just came over and lay down next to me on the floor, so I didn’t need to be sitting on the couch for her sake at all. Delightful!
• “Send a message to a person you don’t know well who espouses a position you disagree with. Ask to have a video conversation to understand their point of view.”
  • Skipped because I’m about to go on holiday for two weeks without any meetings, so I don’t want to schedule calls.
• “Eat at a restaurant alone without bringing a book. Sit at the bar if there is one. Don’t take out your cellphone or other devices during the meal.”
  • Skipped because I already do this often.
• I do find myself wishing the cards were physically higher-quality. They’re not air-cushioned like normal playing cards, so they stick unpleasantly when handling them; the printed layer is already showing wear, needs a coating.
  • The photos on the back of the cards are cute, but I never see them because the instructions result in all cards always sitting in the deck face-up!
• Next up: “Choose an idea you disagree with violently. Read articles by at least five people who espouse this idea. Write an appreciation of this idea.”
  • This’ll probably need to happen over several days, and probably not before I leave for my trip.