I'm assuming you meant that theory without experience is 'shallow' and not 'hallow'.
I'd say that theory without experience is disconnected from reality... whether that experience is subjective perception or scientific observation. I try to keep my theories close to my experience because a theory can be self-consistent and rationally coherent, and still be a load of sh*t. As I'm not a scientist or overly scientifically knowledgeable, the experience I tend to depend on is of the subjective perception variety.
In the case of depression, I have much experience and as such it forms much of my personal reality. I value depression for several reasons. It keeps me grounded, it keeps me focused on the essential, it keeps me present-oriented, and it keeps me honest with myself. Depression has taught me how to look deeply into things. I've spent many an hour observing the mechanisms of my mind which eventually led me to practice meditation. If you're feeling apathetic outwardly, then find an inward hobby.
You say experience without theory is misunderstanding, but you weren't quite sure about it. I'm not sure about it either. I often get stuck in my experience and in those moments theory can seem not to apply. I do, however, use my analytical mind to try to pull myself out of it in an attempt at counter-balance. Considering possibilities and perspectives of thought can break me free from apathy because it activates my imagination. Looking to what 'might be' redirects my mind out of what 'is' in the moment. I want to understand the world, I want to understand my experiences... no matter how impossible it may seem.
One time, I fell into a profound state where no thought seemed to apply. I was sort of depressed, but not really. I had been meditating intensively and I had brought my mind to a complete standstill which is impressive considering how obsessive my thinking can be at times. I don't know if it was an unhealthy state of mind, but there were some elements of anhedonia and depersonalization to it. It felt like an emotionally genuine way of being in the world, but it also felt like a difficult way to be in the world. I could feel deeply, but didn't feel drawn to do anything in particular. I could relate to people in a very personal way, but I felt no desire for conversation. So, I took many long walks by myself.
Maybe experience without theory is without practical application. There is a reason that people who have done intensive experiential practices such as meditation have traditionally entered monasteries. Its hard to live a normal life while in such states of mind and vice versa. Its only when you've come to terms with your personal experience, come to understand it, that you can find a way to live it. In Eastern traditions, there is the idea of returning to the world, coming down from the mountain. No matter how difficult it is, there is a significance to trying to explain what you have found to be true. Its not about convincing others, but rather about convincing yourself that what you experienced was meaningful.
I have no idea if that is what you were talking about, but thinks for the opportunity to pontificate. |