E-P1

Existential Phenomenology:

Existentialism:

As an existentialist my approach is that I try to view the world as it is without preformed concepts or theoretical preconceptions. The human person is a being in the state of "becoming" or emerging. The other can only be understood by recognition that he or she is self-conscious, capable of responsibility and integrity and on a journey to authenticity and self- appropriation.
I am concerned with establishing a desire-based encounter with the world and limiting need-based guilt. I perceive for-give-ness as an active giving to the future by being authentic and compassionate in the present. Confrontation is not always the best communication! Intentionality is conscious, meaningful and always present. A no choice is still a choice!

Phenomenology:

The study of human awareness as it is authentically revealed without assumptions and bias from abstract objectivity and one's own agenda. It implies the use of intelligent subjectivity by authentic individuals in an encounter that is primarily dialoguic. It's importance lies in the issue that one can then attempt to "look through the eyes of the other" and then (ideally) experience the other with compassion and situated acceptance. The other then reflects back to us and we "come upon ourselves as stranger". As with children looking in their parent's eyes, we see ourselves to learn, and to be gifted.