Danielle Hawkins: Experience verses Encounter

 I'm remembering back to the story Dr. Redick shared in class where him and the lady shared an encounter together but did not exchange words and also the story where he went into the really fancy restaurant and ate the chicken and dipped before he had to pay for the tip and tax (what a baller). I'm also looking back over my notes and read two lines that I wrote. the first is that experience is subjective, it's personal (it can become isolated and an idol, stops fellowship from happening). The other is that an encounter is when experiences become shared. I believe Dr. Redick both of these moments in the stories he shared with us. I do think both of those moments are really fun moments, I believe the first (the encounter) is more powerful and more meaningful.   

Fellowship is (at least in my experience and what I have seen) is one of the most beautiful and powerful things. When untied together under one purpose, lots of change can happen, both good and bad. It is a powerful weapon that can both build and destroy. I am reminded specifically of the KKK and the NAACP. One group was a hate (and a very terrible) group and the other saved and spoke out for others lives (so much other great stuff too). Encounters bring people together, it allows people to invite others in. 

Friendships should play out like an encounter being it involves two parties. Things can go south really quickly when someone views a friendship as an experience to have and not an encounter to share. The relationship Psyche and Orual did not interact as an encounter, at least on Orual's part. Orual idolized her relationship with Psyche and it was an experience for her. It was something personally that no one else could have (not even the Fox). This is ultimately what caused her down fall and how she lost her sister and received judgement from the gods. Although I don't think it was intentional for Orual to get to this place, it is hard for her to get out of it. Real love does not look like smothering which is ultimately what I believe Orual did to Psyche. There sisterhood/friendship could have been more powerful and beautiful if Orual let Psyche go. Orual could have seen Psyche for as she really is, and not the thing (the relationship- the thing to posses). I think Lewis is inviting us into a space of encounter over experience. I know I would rather share than to hold something as my own. 

I do think experiences are important for own personal growth, but not necessary for relationships between people. I think the experience Dr.Redick had while eating that chicken shaped part of his life, that is necessary. I think experience is good by your self. Encounters are necessary when another party get added to the scene. Does anyone else have any thoughts on these two words? 

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