I love psychology. But I also love history, science, physics, philosophy, and pretty much all of the topics. In short, I love learning—which can be seen in my diverse studies in bioenvironmental engineering, metallurgy, international affairs, communications, counseling psychology, systems psychology, and health psychology. Similar to Socrates’ famous declaration, the more I know, the more I know that my mind does not know.
Learning keeps me humble and open and curious. Learning lets me marvel at the mysteries in the universe and get excited when I learn something new. It feels like opening presents every day. Learning keeps me young. Learning also gives me compassion for myself and others because we are all unique in what we have learned in our respective journeys.
As my Mom would often say, “Walk a mile in someone’s shoes before you judge.” The lesson being that we cannot truly know another person’s experience, yet it is worth trying to understand.
I imagine the internet would not be as powerful if we did not have an innate desire to learn. Now we can search for any topic under the sun and receive a host of answers to sate our curiosity. We can arrive at our own theories about the information we read (or watch) based on our personal experiences. Sure, our experiences bias us to our personal point of view. Yet continuous learning over the lifetime never stops.
What is true for someone today may prove false tomorrow.
As my great uncle (who is now in his mid 90’s) says, “I have lived long enough to eat my words.”
Powerful.
He also says that every generation gets better. I admit I have sometimes questioned that wisdom. Are we getting better? I personally don’t feel I measure up to the heroes of his time. In contrast, I feel lazy. Entitled. Possibly a little too self-absorbed and self-aware from checking in on my feelings and what my body is telling me.
My great uncle did not grow up with psychology. Instead, he faced hard times growing up in the depression and then serving in World War II.
He saw a lot. My grandfather, his older brother, also served in World War II. He saw a lot. I can not compare their experiences because I realize they differed. But what I can say is that they responded to life differently.
My grandfather lost some friends to suicide after returning from the war. I know he drank and was not faithful to his wife, which resulted in a horrible divorce that significantly scarred my mother. My grandfather turned inward and rarely showed emotion.
Meanwhile, my great uncle returned from the war and later married and remained happily married. My great uncle is strong yet displays the most endearing level of empathy and compassion I have witnessed. He taught me it is okay to cry, especially when we are grieving. He gave me the gift of love and listening and communicating—and laughing.
Where did he learn these extraordinary gifts? Modern psychology did not teach him how to be resilient, but I think ancient psychology did.
Modern psychology is more focused on science. The American Psychological Association describes psychology as “a diverse discipline, grounded in science, but with nearly boundless applications in everyday life…Psychologists study both normal and abnormal functioning (along with)…the link between mind and body.”
In contrast, the more ancient definition of psychology going back to the 1600’s recognizes it as the study of the soul (psykhē is Greek for “breath, spirit, soul” and logia is the “study of”).
My great uncle is a man of deep faith with an open mind and open heart. He is in tune with the language of the soul—and I believe it is the soul that provides the compassionate love that heals the mind and body.
I have conducted ample research in the mind-body-spirit connection to resilience and healing. I have repeatedly found that people who have endured hardships, confronted death, disease, and heartbreak described that it was their soul that stretched them to learn, love, and heal.
Perhaps that is why increasing research reveals that modern medicine misses healing opportunities with people by relying on scientific reductionism at the cost of overlooking (and dismissing) people’s spiritual faith. Knight et al. (2021) emphasized this oversight during the pandemic.
As the next generations move forward in their learning and life journeys, I hope they learn the lesson from ancient psychology and remember to include their soul.
We have missed sharing our birthday this year! I hope you are well, and that Bailey is well now too!
Don has had some heart issues, is home from the hospital since yesterday and is rebounding well. I am grateful to keep him in my life as he too is a man of deep faith, and our relationship keeps me questioning my own abilities to practice patience for our different perspectives in life. His large fun loving Louisiana family has given me many happy moments that broaden my experiences with great grandchildren.
Lets get together soon! I love and miss you! Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne Harrington | 15 February 2025 at 11:55 PM
Jeanne, I am so sorry to learn about Don and glad he is back home! Yes, he is a man of great faith and a big heart...I'm so glad you have each other! Please convey my love and prayers to him (and you!) and I can't wait to get together when I'm back in town! I will reach you by phone when I'm back. All my love!!
Posted by: Kimberly | 16 February 2025 at 03:24 PM