Experiencing vs. Remembering and Believing: The Foundation of Our Reality

In the realm of human perception, there are three distinct yet interconnected phenomena: experiencing, remembering, and believing. Each plays a vital role in shaping our understanding of the world around us. This article explores the nuanced differences between these concepts, particularly focusing on how experiencing is fundamentally different from remembering and believing.

Experiencing: Direct Perception and Action

Experiencing refers to direct perception and action. It is the immediate and unmediated awareness of our surroundings, free from the constraints of memory or belief. When we experience, we are fully engaged in the present moment, performing actions without the need for prior knowledge or belief systems. As mentioned in the passage, 'You can do most everything without thought, beliefs, or recall, your body knows how.' This is because experiencing is rooted in our innate ability to learn through practice and repetition.

For example, consider the process of learning to ride a bicycle. This is an experience that does not require prior knowledge or belief. Instead, it is acquired through trial and error, gradual improvement, and repeated action. While we may have memories and beliefs about riding a bicycle, the actual skill itself is a tangible experience that exists in the present moment.

Remembering: A Recollection of Past Events

Remembering, on the other hand, is the act of recalling past events or experiences. It is the mental process of retrieving information from our memory banks. While remembering can provide valuable insights into past occurrences, it is not a direct perception of the present. As stated, 'Your re-collection may be vague or relatively precise but it remains merely a re-collection of a past event.' Our memories, no matter how vivid, are fallible and can be influenced by various factors such as emotions, personal biases, and external events.

Believing: A Matters of Faith and Truth

Believing involves accepting something as true or real without the need for empirical evidence. It is a spiritual or conceptual construct that goes beyond the realm of direct experience. Believing can be based on theoretical knowledge, personal opinions, or religious doctrines. As noted, 'Belief may be anything from believing in God or atheism, agnosticism, or that Jesus saves you from eternal damnation because of his sacrifice.'

Beliefs are often deeply ingrained and can significantly influence our actions and decisions. However, they are not synonymous with experiencing. While a belief may have originated from an experience, it is not the same as the experience itself. As the passage highlights, 'The two notions are distinct. Experience is primary, you may recall an incident/experience from the past but experience is all we have to go by. It is what is in the present and soon to be but a past memory.'

The Bible and the Concept of Faith

The relationship between remembering, believing, and experiencing is further clarified by the biblical definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1. This verse, reads, 'Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.' It emphasizes the act of residing in hope and conviction, which are qualities that extend beyond mere recollection or belief.

According to the passage, 'The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1. Read it, it should help you.' This reference to the Bible underscores the importance of faith as a spiritual attribute distinct from the physical act of remembering or the intellectual act of believing.

The Present Moment: The Core of Experiencing

The present moment is the foundation of all our experiences. As we navigate through life, our experiences, memories, and beliefs are continually shaping our perceptions and interpretations. However, it is essential to recognize that experiencing is not always dependent on remembering or believing. In many instances, we can perform actions and perceive our surroundings through the intrinsic wisdom of our bodies. As mentioned, 'You learnt to ride a bicycle by doing not by thought, belief, or recollection.'

Our bodies possess a remarkable set of knowledge and skills that we can access through experience alone. From the act of walking to the complexities of emotional awareness, these skills are learned through repetition and practice, becoming second nature through experience.

Conclusion: The Primacy of Experience

Ultimately, experiencing is the primary way we engage with the world. It is the direct, immediate, and unmediated encounter with our reality. While remembering and believing play crucial roles in our lives, they do not replace the essence of experience. Experiencing is what already is, and it is through this constant interplay of direct experience, memory, and belief that we build our understanding of the world around us.

So, yes, experiencing is what already is! It is the enduring truth that underpins our daily lives and shapes our perceptions and actions. Understanding this distinction can help us approach our experiences with greater clarity and wisdom, enhancing our ability to navigate the complex tapestry of human existence.