Sunday, December 27, 2015

Questions and Answers


by Janet M. Shlaes, Ph.D.

“It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.”  ~ James Thurber

I used to think that wisdom resulted from expertise – knowing all the answers about a particular topic. I discovered over time that I was wrong. Authentic wisdom is not an end point; it’s a beginning - a way of being in the world that requires a Zen type of beginner’s mind, along with the willingness to embrace compelling life questions. A beginner’s mind approach recognizes and appreciates life’s many unanswered questions; it encourages living into your personal questions with courage, openness, curiosity, innocence and a sense of playfulness.  A beginner’s mind attitude requires intention, patience and the capacity to sit with ambiguity and embrace the unknown. Personally, I think it’s worth the occasional confusion and discomfort. Choosing to embrace a beginner’s mind often results in a very interesting life, many unexpected twists and turns, some surprising challenges, relationships, delights and enjoyable adventures. Questions are everywhere and definitive answers are rare. What compelling life questions will you choose to live into?
Janet

For additional thoughts and insights, consider the following posts:

Learn Something New

Doing and Being


   

 

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