FLUCTUALE CONSULTING
“I do, and in my doing I form myself and the events I encounter.”
Doing, Growing, Knowing
- Encountering Uncertainty by Ethical Action
Today, we fully embrace technology, daily tasks are easier, and we are in constant connection with the world. But does digital living replace something else, something invaluable for our personal growth? Rather than parsing our increasing levels of anxiety and depression, what if, alongside technology, we could harness our motoric skills? According to Jaana, even daily chores, similar to physical exercise, can bring us valuable joy. The more unpleasant the act, the greater the pleasure after getting it done.
In Jaana’s view, a simple, practical act engages our mental system in all its
dimensions: emotional, aesthetic, ethical, and empirical. From repetition, skills
emerge; from repeated skills, habits. Over our lifetime, this powers growth, as we learn through experience how the mental and physical spheres are linked. We no longer mine our psyche for explanations for our ill-being, but rather comprehend, ever deeply, how we are an active participant in our own world.
The ethical direction of our choices is of utmost importance. If our acts
promote life, we achieve a dynamic peace of mind, and the twists and turns of life no longer seem scary. Through repeated ethical acts, we hone our ability to face uncertainty—a critical skill in today’s world.
Jaana Venkula, Finnish social psychologist, researcher, lecturer and writer
has worked on the relationship between “doing and knowing” since late 1970s. Over her career she has guided university students through their thesis work and mentored leadership of public and private organizations in change management.
