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The only way out is through.... |
| June, 2006 |
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How do you know you’ve made the right decision, the best choice? I suggest the answer depends on where you look for it.
If you stub your toe, you know it hurts; the pain is clear evidence. If, however, you think about stubbing your toe, you might say, “Who left that damn toy in the middle of the floor? Or, “I’m incompetent and clumsy – a real klutz.” Thinking produces many options, some clarifying, others unhelpful.
Knowing, as used in this example, offers simpler, more direct, body-based information. For example, you might hear yourself say: “I know this is the best decision because it feels right.” Somewhere inside there’s a sense of contentment, maybe even delight. You might also be aware that your thinking isn’t confused or ambivalent.
There’s still another kind of knowing called insight or wisdom knowing. When we are truly and wholly present even for the briefest moment, we sense the impermanent, ever changing nature of our world, which includes us. Then we understand that there can be no absolutely permanent, “right” decisions in this world.
Wisdom knowing lays bare the truth that to be human is to be fallible.
We are all certain to make bad decisions, and we all have to clean up
the mess afterward. With this insight into the human condition, compassion
arises for us and everyone else. And that lessens the distrust and discord
that proliferates amongst us.
