Hi,
Surely we have all heard the saying "One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself" in one form or another and most of us know what it means. I was once in a cultural sensitivity workshop and the speaker was talking about the mindset of poor black families. What she was saying didn't ring true for the neighborhoods I had worked in so I asked her where was she getting this information. Her response was cold and clinical so I felt the need to correct her. I started off my statement by saying that I was tired of hearing professional speak on a topic that they had no level of experience in. She was neither Black or qualified to speak about the Black experience because she had never bother to make that journey for herself. I proceeded to attack each of her bullet points. Ultimately I was asked to join the team and she was given another assignment.
There should be no exception when it comes to health. I am aware that in Western medicine doctors will prescribe medicines and recommend treatments for disease and illness without ever experiencing it for themselves but they do so relying information supplied by research and technology. Human flourishing is different... you cannot sincerely tell me about body-mind-spirit if you only believe in science. At some point you need to experience inner development from expanded consciousness and reading about something is different from experiencing something for yourself.
The reason I first started meditation was because a teacher told me how it had helped her to relax. She told the class that it was easy and inexpensive and could be done in as little as 5 minutes. She guided us in class and I did feel refreshed when we finished. I enjoyed a whole semester of 5 to 10 minute trips and I have been hooked every since. To me, that's why that statement rings true. If she didn't meditate she would not have been able to successfully guide us. I used the heat of the sun to calm me so I think that's why I still use light and heat today. Now I am open to experience different paths to human flourishing, as a new traveler, I would much prefer an experience guide so that when I share my adventures with someone else there won't be so many hills and valleys.
Teal
Hi Teal! I agree that certain situations can be extremely frustrating when we are forced to listen to others talk about something they know nothing about. I have a friend who is a body builder and is very unhealthy. Her body is put through the ringer and she is constantly ill. Right before a competition she literally looks like she is on death's door. She is a self proclaimed life coach and offers advice based on her own opinions and her unhealthy workout regimen. She is a great person, however she is a perfect example to me of what this statement means.
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