Constructed Knowing

A characteristic of being in the position of constructed knowledge involves the concept of layering of experience. I envision each moment of experience as a fine spray of finish being applied to high quality furniture. It takes patience and good working conditions for the finish coats to be applied evenly and flawlessly, but our life experiences do not provide those working conditions very often, so the construction of our psyches is rarely a flawless process, and thus we are all flawed in our knowledge and being. Awareness seem to be key to overcoming the flaws. Somehow, as we mature, we become aware of where we are in our development and how we are going to work, or think, or feel our way out of one situation and prepare for the next. We are creatures of our own experience and each of us is unique in our development.




The relationship section of the book, speaks to families, and how our positions of knowledge come from and set the stage for our relationships, which mirror our own knowledge. We are formed beings, created, by each event that touches us, and by each person that touches us. As I read and live each day, I gain more awareness of the shaping and layering that shapes me, each and every moment. I wish that I could find solace in that awareness, and turn my moments into adventures of growth. Some days are easier than others.



We had a storm here yesterday and trees were shattered and mighty boughs were brought down. It reminded me of how something growing and strong can be broken by the power of a stormy moment, and others end up as survivors. The cleanup was costly. Time and effort was spent. Effort was wasted and was the source of strife and distress. As the day was spent with chain saws and debris, I kept thinking of how we move through these positions of knowing. We evolve and progress or devolve and collapse with the malleability of a dynamic creature. We are always under construction. It makes me wonder if we can ever know ourselves. Do we change so fast that we can never fully understand ourselves?