From Knowing to Experiencing: A Journey of Self-Discovery

I spent time, recently, re-connecting with friends who I haven’t seen for a while. I loved those re-connections: they brought back past times where we worked together for a common goal and experienced, together, both triumphs and trials. I believe we grew and matured from the experiences, and that an essential part of that growth was our connection.

I was thinking specifically about the trials we met together in an organization we belonged to. The organization was highly contentions and sometimes brutal. I honestly don’t believe I could have weathered it without the support I received from these friends. When it was done and over, if you had asked me what good came of all that effort, I’m not sure I could have said anything. If you ask me now, I could say that I learned more about myself that I could have possibly learned without going through that experience.

The experience cost me a great deal, both physically and emotionally. The learning was deep and, I hope, worth it (I’m still reeling from what it cost – the experience is still too close in time). Interestingly, on an intellectual level, I knew it would cost me: I’d witnessed others before me and thought I knew what I was in for.

But, quite clearly, knowing is not the same as experiencing.

Quote of the Week

Experience, not information, is the key to emotional development.

― Jonathan Haidt

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Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programs, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co .