"Why We Constantly Seek Unexperienced Experiences"
Have you ever felt a deep desire to experience something new? Something you’ve never done before, something that seems just out of reach? It’s an intense feeling, one that drives us forward, urging us to explore the unknown. But why is it that we always seem to want something we haven’t yet experienced? What is the real reason behind this constant pursuit of the new and unexplored? The answer is linked to our purpose in life and even the deeper nature of our souls.
1. The Essence of Experience
We often categorize experiences as “good” or “bad.” We think that in life, there are good experiences we seek and bad ones we avoid. But as Koichi Tsuru teaches, there is no inherent difference between the two. Good and bad experiences are labels we assign based on how we perceive them, but in essence, they are both vital parts of our growth process.
In life, when we are faced with choices, whether to go right or left, both paths offer their own unique experiences. One is not better than the other. The choice between the right path and the left path is simply a different journey that leads to different lessons. The key is not in labeling the experiences as good or bad, but in embracing them as opportunities for growth. By experiencing the right, we learn from it, and when the time comes, we will naturally crave the opposite, the left path, which offers a new set of lessons to discover.
2. Why Do We Seek Unexperienced Experiences?
So, why do we constantly desire experiences we have yet to encounter? It’s simple: it’s because we long for the experiences we haven’t yet had. Our inner nature craves these new experiences not because we are lacking something, but because they offer the potential for learning, growth, and expansion.
As Tsuru explains, the desire to experience something new is not a flaw or a weakness. It’s simply a reflection of our deep-seated drive to explore the world, to enrich ourselves with new insights. We are driven by the need to experience all that life has to offer, and this drive is deeply embedded in our being. It’s not just about seeking pleasure or avoiding pain; it’s about fulfilling our soul’s purpose of experiencing and growing.
Our bodies are vessels for these experiences. Through our physical existence, we are given the opportunity to explore all facets of life—emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. The unexperienced calls to us because it holds the potential to broaden our understanding of the world and ourselves. This is why we often feel an intense pull toward what is unfamiliar—it’s an inherent desire to expand and evolve.
3. Growth Through Experience
Life has a way of changing us through the experiences we encounter. Each moment brings new discoveries, allowing us to grow and evolve. It is through these experiences that we unlock new layers of ourselves. Understanding the true nature of experience involves embracing it, welcoming both the highs and lows of life.
For instance, we may deem an experience "good" simply because it brings us a sense of fulfillment, or because it teaches us something valuable. Even a painful experience can be seen as “good” when we recognize that it has helped us grow. Conversely, we may initially see a challenging experience as “bad,” only to realize over time that it was actually the catalyst for much-needed transformation. So, rather than evaluating the experience itself, it is important to focus on what we can learn from it.
4. The Dangers of Comparison
Often, we find ourselves comparing our experiences with those of others. We look at what others have and do, thinking that if we could have those same experiences, we would be happier or more fulfilled. But this tendency to compare can interfere with our spiritual growth. The experiences of others are not necessarily meant for us, and what others have may not be what we truly need in our lives.
Tsuru teaches that the path to enlightenment requires stepping away from comparison and trusting that the experiences we are meant to have will naturally unfold. When we stop measuring ourselves against others, we free ourselves from unnecessary anxiety and frustration. We begin to understand that everything we need will come to us at the right time, and there is no need to rush or force it. We can embrace the experiences life presents to us, knowing that each one holds its own purpose.
5. Conclusion
The desire to experience the unexperienced is not simply a matter of wanting more; it is a natural longing for growth and expansion. Each new experience offers us the chance to learn, to discover, and ultimately, to achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It is important to understand that there is no inherent “good” or “bad” in any experience. Each experience is an opportunity for growth, and by accepting this, we can live more fully, free from the constraints of judgment.
So, the next time you feel the desire for something new, don’t resist it. Embrace it as a natural part of your journey. Understand that you are not chasing after something just for the sake of novelty, but rather because your soul is yearning for deeper understanding and personal evolution. Trust that every new experience will lead you one step closer to your true self.
By embracing the unknown, we move closer to the freedom of self-awareness, living a life free from judgment and comparison. Ultimately, the journey itself—full of both the familiar and the unexperienced—is what leads us to our true purpose.
