Random, Rambling, Reflections
First of all, let me state that this blog is not about Random Rambling Reflection. Just for today though, I'm going to allow myself the luxury of not knowing what this blog is about. If you're unfamiliar with the type of material to which I typically expose myself, 'not knowing' might have a negative connotation - perhaps an activity for stupid people. Let me offer that truly 'stupid people' are more likely to think they know things which they really don't. 'Not knowing' I have surmised is what wise people do. Notice that I use them term 'wise' as opposed to intelligent.
There's a huge difference. 'Intelligent' people are capable of assimilating a whole bunch of facts and are able to use them to get a good score on a test which purports to measure "intelligence". If they are also stupid, they will inflict these facts on people who are not the least bit interested.
Is being wise better? Yes it is. Being wise, usually means being happy, maybe even successful --- whatever that means. It means also that you have a good handle on your priorities and realize what's most important in life : genuine love, relationships, being compassionate --- and having at least some clue as to how these ideals may be attained.
Do I consider myself to be wise? Looking back on the past sixty years, I see episodes of incredible stupidity and also some bright spots. When I'm feeling optimistic, I see an encouraging trend --- ie. maybe more wisdom and less stupidity. It depends a lot on who we are when we're keeping score. And If you're unfamiliar with the type of material to which I typically expose myself, it may not be apparent that the 'who we are' in this equation is an excellent thing to 'not know'.
Almost everything I've read implies that through some type of "practice", we can silence the rampant outpourings of the conscious mind and be connected with a source of "inner wisdom". 'Not knowing' and 'not thinking' seem closely related in this sense.
But, it might occur to us to question this proposition. How do we really know that when we experience 'inner wisdom' it's not just simply the same mind functioning differently? I was discussing the benefits of meditation the other day with Cory, my 14 year old, and he brought up this point. Not only that, but in his own style, he nailed me for being circular when I replied that the answer was an excellent thing to 'not know'.
I believe that it is an excellent thing to 'not know', but, he's right, it's also circular (---if we think about things that way). I know, that often when I quiet down my mind for a while, my subsequent outlook on a particular event or problem is something 'better'. I think many, many people would agree with this. I also know that when my thoughts are not racing about, I feel that I am more relaxed and accepting of my surroundings and myself. I even feel more creative. It's a 'good thing' as the woman who's presently on house arrest would say. But, are we really becoming more aware of God's finger prints? Are we becoming more Buddha-like? Are we making progress along the path to enlightenment? Some things just can't be proved in a court of law or in a Psychology journal. As far as 'wisdom' is concerned, let me interject a Little quote:
Wisdom is like electricity. There is no permanently wise man, But men capable of wisdom, who, being put into certain company, or other favorable conditions, become wise for a short time, as glasses rubbed acquire electric power for a while.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Feel Better?
Related Tags: wisdom, intelligence, reflections, not knowing, emerson
Bob Steinman, AKA 'Feelbetterman' maintains an inspirational web site, 'Feel Better about Things' which archives his articles. These focus on his perspective for managing stress and living more meaningfully.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The Control Of Your Emotions: Kill Stubborn Weeds While Leaving The Carrots Intact!
It is clear that no one wants to control their emotions in such a way that it would make them all di - Negative Self Talk Has Negative Power Over You
Negative self talk is destructive of our self-esteem, happiness, and potentially harmful to your hea - Get Your Ex Boyfriend Or Girlfriend Back Today
Break-ups are extremely difficult and you will have to go through all of the different emotions in o - You Can Think And Grow Rich
Or; How To Win The LotteryFirst let us get something cleared up, the universe is the provider of all - Replenish Your Soul: Are You Too Good For Your Own Good?
Do you ever feel bogged down by being too good? It happens all the time and it's dangerous! Being to - Three Reasons Why Life Quotes Are So Enlightening
Life quotes are truly enlightening. I read them several times a day. There is something magical abou - 3 Ways To Beat Shyness And Improve Your Life
Shyness can have a huge impact on your life. It can stop you socialising, getting on at work and gen - The Secret Of Cultivating Independent Happiness
Happiness is defined in many ways and it's different in every person. Many people chase it, trying t - Why Are There So Many Unhappy People?
Many people are unhappy and discontent with their life because they are either poor, physically impa - Is There A Key To Instant Happiness?
The key to instant happiness is the detachment we feel about a person, a situation, or a thing to ma
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Cymbalta for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a general chronic condition. There is extensive musculoskeletal a - Where is the REAL World
How often have you heard the statement, "Welcome to the real world", especially from someone trying - Secret to happiness
Is there a secret to happiness? You probably are expecting me to say "NO, there is no sec - View from Another Planet: Learning to Talk to Our Children
Our goal in conscious communication is not to change the other person . . . Our goal is to establish - The Story of a Smile
I was walking along the London underground in a hurry, late one night, and a busker was playing his - Instant Drug Testing Methods and Procedures
Drug testing involves many different methods and devices that detect whether or not a person has bee - Finding the Real You
Where do you begin the search? It almost seems like a joke. To many, it is the real meaning of life. - Be Happy: If Happiness is the Goal, How Do I Get There?
"The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passi - Important Things to Know about Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Testing
While alcohol consumption is considered to be a recreational activity for adults, it can carry - New Beginnings: The Gift of Starting Over
I recently had the pleasure of seeing the movie, "50 First Dates" starring Adam Sandler and Drew Bar