EP 382: How to Learn From Our Experiences

Published: Nov. 16, 2020, 11:16 p.m.

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\\u2018Life is the curriculum.\\u2019 - Jon Kabat-Zinn

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This is a quote I hold near all the time.

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The idea is that life will always offer us opportunities to learn.

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There is a catch to this, though:

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If we are labeling our experiences as \\u2018good\\u2019 or \\u2018bad\\u2019 experiences, then there is no way to learn from them.

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Case in point, last week I was in a bicycle accident that resulted in a great deal of physical pain.

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If I label pain as a \\u2018bad\\u2019 experience, I will focus on doing whatever I need to do to find relief.

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But if I accept the \\u2018as-is-ness\\u2019 of the physical experience of my pain, then I can be present with it and learn about my physical sensations.

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The product of this learning is emotional intelligence, which is one of the most valuable understandings one can have.

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And this value is derived directly from my ability to be present, accepting, compassionate, and curious about my experience.

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What do you think about this?

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