The power of having lived what you teach is used in the Habituation Protocol.
The power of having lived what you teach, often referred to as experiential knowledge or lived experience, can significantly enhance the impact and effectiveness of teaching or sharing information. Here are some ways in which having personal experience in what you teach holds power:
Authenticity and credibility: Having personally experienced what you teach adds authenticity and credibility to your message. Your firsthand knowledge and understanding of the subject matter lend weight to your teachings and make them more relatable to others. People are likelier to trust and connect with someone who has lived through similar experiences.
Practical insights and examples: Living what you teach allows you to provide valuable insights, real-life examples, and anecdotes that resonate with your audience. You can draw upon your experiences to illustrate key concepts, challenges, and solutions. This helps learners grasp the practical application of shared knowledge and makes the information more tangible and memorable.
Empathy and understanding: Personal experience fosters empathy and compassion towards those learning or seeking guidance. By walking a similar path, you can empathize with the struggles, emotions, and obstacles that learners may encounter. Empathy can create a supportive and compassionate learning environment where individuals feel understood and validated.
Overcoming skepticism and resistance: Sometimes, learners may be skeptical or resistant to new information or teachings. However, when they see that you have personally experienced the subject matter, it can help break down barriers and build trust. Your firsthand experience can serve as a bridge, demonstrating that you have faced similar doubts or challenges and found value or solutions in what you teach.
Inspiration and motivation: Sharing your journey and the lessons learned from it can inspire and motivate others. When learners see that you have overcome obstacles, achieved personal growth, or achieved success in a particular area, it can ignite their motivation to pursue similar paths or make positive changes in their lives. Your lived experience can be a source of inspiration and a catalyst for transformation.
Problem-solving and guidance: Personal experience provides a wealth of problem-solving skills and insights that can benefit others. Your firsthand knowledge of navigating challenges, making decisions, and finding solutions can be invaluable in guiding learners through similar situations. You can offer practical advice, strategies, and suggestions based on what worked for you, enhancing the effectiveness of your teaching.
Building connections and fostering community: Having lived what you teach can help create a sense of connection and foster a community among learners. When individuals share similar experiences or challenges, it can create a bond and a feeling of belonging. Your personal experience can serve as a unifying factor, bringing people together and encouraging the exchange of ideas, support, and shared growth.
In summary, having lived what you teach adds authenticity, credibility, and practicality to your teachings. It enhances your ability to connect with learners, provide relevant insights, inspire and motivate, offer guidance, and build community. By sharing your lived experience, you bring a unique perspective and personal wisdom to your teaching, making it more impactful and empowering for those you engage with.
Several psychologists have touched upon related concepts such as authenticity, personal experience, and unity in their writings. Here are a few psychologists who have discussed the significance of personal experience in their work:
Carl Rogers: the founder of person-centered therapy, emphasized the importance of unity and authenticity in treatment. He believed that genuine and transparent therapists, drawing from their own personal experiences and emotions, create a more authentic therapeutic relationship with clients. While Rogers did not explicitly focus on "having lived what you teach," his emphasis on the therapist's authenticity aligns with the idea that personal experience can enhance therapeutic effectiveness.
Irvin Yalom: a renowned psychiatrist and author, often weaves personal anecdotes and reflections into his writings. In books like "Love's Executioner" and "Momma and the Meaning of Life," Yalom shares his experiences and challenges as a therapist, highlighting the power of personal authenticity and self-disclosure in therapeutic relationships.
Brené Brown: Although not strictly a psychologist, Brené Brown, a research professor, and author, has written extensively on vulnerability, shame, and authenticity. Her work emphasizes embracing and sharing our vulnerabilities and experiences to foster genuine connections with others. While she primarily focuses on personal growth and relationships, her insights resonate with the idea of "having lived what you teach" in therapeutic contexts.
Viktor Frankl: Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor wrote about his personal experiences and observations in his influential book "Man's Search for Meaning." While Frankl's work primarily centers on existential psychology and finding meaning in life, his firsthand experiences in concentration camps offer profound insights into human resilience, suffering, and the quest for purpose.
While these psychologists may not explicitly address "having lived what you teach" as a standalone topic, their writings emphasize the significance of personal experience, authenticity, and unity in therapeutic relationships and personal growth. Their insights highlight the power of integrating personal wisdom and lived experiences into therapeutic practice to create deeper connections and facilitate meaningful change.
Edvaldo de Oliveira Leme, RNC, ADON/LTC, BPSY.
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