Abstract vs. direct experience

This is a concept that entered my consciousness through Ben Page’s book Healing Trees and is something I consider regularly.

In his book, he describes abstract experience as efficiency-focused and our current societal tendency to think we know something without actually experiencing it. Be it people, places, or things.

It reminds me of when I was a teenager (and Google Images was the hot new thing) and my mom would ask us if we wanted to go hiking.

My brother would reply with “Why would anyone go hiking when they can just google the view without having to sweat?”

He had a point but also he was completely missing the point.

In its most brutal and simple form - he was in abstraction. The avoidance of intimacy, vulnerability, feeling, and the lived experience. There is nothing lost if we never subject ourselves to direct experience – and in this case, a little sweat.

Another great example was on our road trip. In Death Valley where there are eighteen natural attractions to see and so little time. Hyperaware of the lessening daylight, the vast majority of people (ourselves included) became abstractors. Parking the car, doing a lap, and taking the best photos we could for Instagram or WhatsApp before carrying on to the next sight worth seeing.

Ironically, my non-negotiable on our road trip was that for 30 min. everyday I would sit with a tree (sitspotting). Make an offering, set an intention, and close the ceremony with a drawing. Although snapping a photo would be easier, and sitspotting could be annoying, I came to see that after every practice my day got better. I had more grace for humanity, more kindness toward judgement, and more ease in my decisions.

The only day I missed sitspotting was in Death Valley. When my fear of missing out outranked my desire for direct experience.

Abstraction is common in the world of smartphones, Instagram, and travel. But also it is everywhere. We are so used to abstraction that it is normalised and direct experience is a rarity.

And I am living for that rarity.

When I think about how I am crafting my next steps as a human contributing and creating impact through my work in the world, I am thinking about how I can be in direct experience. Who are the beings I want to be in relationship with? What are the commonalities and differences in our values? How can we deeply connect on our vision? And how can we be in direct experience with the land?

Let's normalize direct experience.

Article FAQs
1. How does abstract experience impact our overall understanding and connection to the world around us, beyond just the examples provided in the article?
Abstract experience seems to influence not only our perception of physical environments but also our interactions with people and our understanding of concepts. However, the article primarily focuses on examples related to physical experiences, such as hiking and traveling, leaving the broader implications of abstract experience somewhat unexplored. It would be beneficial to delve deeper into how abstract thinking affects our relationships, decision-making processes, and overall worldview.

2. Are there specific strategies or practices for transitioning from abstraction to direct experience in various aspects of life?
There are various strategies and practices that individuals can employ to transition from abstraction to direct experience in different aspects of life. These may include mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep listening, and sensory awareness exercises that encourage us to be fully present and engaged in the moment. Engaging in activities that involve physical sensations, such as spending time in nature, practicing yoga or tai chi, and participating in creative endeavors like art or music, can also help cultivate a deeper connection to our bodies and surroundings. Additionally, fostering meaningful relationships and engaging in open, honest communication with others can facilitate genuine connections and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and those around us. By intentionally seeking out opportunities for direct experience and prioritizing presence over distraction, we can gradually shift away from abstraction and cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling way of engaging with the world.

3. What are the potential benefits or drawbacks of prioritizing direct experience over abstraction, especially in a society that heavily values efficiency and convenience?
Prioritizing direct experience offers the potential for deeper connection, understanding, and emotional well-being by fostering presence and authenticity. However, in a society that emphasizes efficiency and convenience, the commitment and vulnerability required for direct experience may be perceived as obstacles, leading some to prioritize quick fixes and superficial interactions instead.