Reflecting On Experience

“We do not learn from experience. We learn by reflecting on experience.” John Dewey

Without a doubt, COVID has been, and will be remembered as a life altering experience. It is hard to tell how the world will be forever changed by this pandemic and yet we know it will. Do you remember what flying was like before 9/11? Now, we look back and see how that one event transformed our experience of flying and security in airports forever. How much more is Corona going to change the cultural landscape in relation to interpersonal connection? 

I know two things… First, that question is above my pay grade. Second, I can’t control much of that kind of change but I can certainly take time to reflect on my own experience of COVID-19 and control some of what changes in my own life moving forward. 

The idea for this week is simple. Take some time. Find something to write with and on, and answer these four questions. 

What's been hard? 

What’s been good? 

What do you want to leave behind? 

What do you want to keep? 

As John Dewey said, “We do not learn from experience. We learn by reflecting on experience.” So let’s learn. 

I’ve learned that I am more productive on email and with critical thinking in the morning. So I know, going back, it would be best to sort my days in ways that allow for lots of that in the morning, and more time with people in the afternoon. I’ve learned that I am more energized for the afternoon if I do something outside during lunch time. Whether it's a walk, or watering my baby tree, or throwing the frisbee for my dog, it feels good to be outside for a bit. So I plan to take more lunch breaks around the lake downtown when we go back. I’ve learned that it’s hard to be creative without a co-worker or friend to bounce ideas off of. I’ve learned it’s good to take a break from something I feel frustrated with and to put it down and walk away for a bit. 

I’ve learned how badly my wife and I need extended time, regularly, to connect and know each other. I live with a wonderfully complex human being and too often I don’t take the time to appreciate her nuances or love her like she deserves. I’ve learned that closeness with the Lord feels like it ebbs and flows and on the days I neglect that time, it always seems to ebb. I’ve learned how much I love stories and what a gift they are when you want to travel to a place far away but aren’t allowed. I’ve learned how much I treasure and delight in my friends. I miss them alot. 

What have you learned? About yourself? About your life, your family, your friends, your work, your play? What old things do you want to leave behind? And what new things have you found that you’d like to keep?