Affiliation:
1. Adler University, USA
2. University of the Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands
Abstract
This chapter describes development of a literacy of lived experience, applying concepts of phenomenology, somatics, and the coordinated management of meaning (CMM) theory of social construction in communication. Structured writing exercises (protocols) are used to deeply examine poignant life experiences, which had a strong impact or raised important questions for individuals as well as at the collective level. This process can further expose the presence of “moral injuries” or difficult episodes of lived experience which challenge or disrupt core beliefs impacting the sense of identity and purpose. The tools and models presented here also offer some ways to exercise self-leadership through the acquired capacity for co-constructing more coherent social realities after this type of disruptive experience. The process is illustrated with the example of a military veteran who became “stuck” in life after leaving service, a problematic experience for many transitioning veterans that also has implications for other marginalized individuals.
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