Kevin Eikenberry: The Gift of Experience

I have had the most awesome privilige of reading the manuscript for Kevin Eikenberry's new book, Vantagepoints on Learning and Life .  Kevin's book is due out mid November.  Check back at his Web site for updates.

I will do a more formal review in the future, but I can say with enthusiasm: Buy the book!  I am going to tell you today what Kevin's chapter titled Go Tell It on The Mountain has caused me to think about.

Kevin writes about watching a sunrise with his family on a mountain top in Hawaii.  He leaves little doubt of the experience's personal impact.  He goes on with advice on how to help us remember such meaningful experiences.  Near the essay's end, Kevin says, "I know that my description of the moment I experienced can't do justice to it and for that I apologize."

I have two thoughts.  The first is about the writer's journey to clarity.  I am not talking about the ability to crystalize a scene for our prose.  I am talking about the ability to articulate something that rattles our soul.  In reality, the only person Kevin is apologizing to is himself.  I understood that this event was extremely meaningful to him.  But his words paint even deeper self-meaning.   I made the same statement to my own self last week.  I felt so little.  I couldn't match the right words to an awe inspiring experience.  This both frustrates me and challenges me.  The writer's journey is to keep diligent in pursuit of clear expression and for me personally, I love this trek.

My second thought lies in what creates this experience.  Yes such an experience makes us feel good.  But dig deeper.  Why?  I'll get better describing such events because I have a passion to.  But for me, when I asked the question of why, a brilliant light shone on my path.  Please allow me to share.

I wrote about Sabriye Tenberken last week.  This girl took my breath away.  Thanks to Kevin, I dug deeper and asked why, why was this experience so meaningful to me?  I knew in a nanosecond.  It was the commitment she made to her cause.  My love for the commitment and follow through that people make to an endeavor is right there with Kevin's sunset!  This is a big day in Dave's life.  I am sure when I get better, I'll be able to describe it to you :-)

Update to story on Sabriye:  EM Sky told me that she contacted Sabriye's organization and offered free consulting services - to design a fund raising plan.  Turns out the Oprah exposure opened a floodgate of help for Sabriye.  If you get a chance, check out EM's Web site.  She is a special person who you need to know more about!