“To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” —- Nicholaus Copernicus
We’ve all either heard the above quote, or read it in some form or another. We interpret its meaning contingent upon our conscious awareness not only of ourselves, but in our relationships, associations, and personal contacts with a myriad of people existing in our lives. Whatever stage of life we find ourselves in the present moment, there always exists circumstances that are beyond our control or mindful manipulation. Sometimes we find ourselves as the expression goes, twisting in the wind of destiny without the possibility of survival. At least that’s what appears to be evolving, or what our senses dictate in the moment. Then comes the irrevocable question we ask ourselves in periods of conscious wakefulness, how did I arrive in this position, and what do I do now? The first step for many of us, may be something as simple as recognizing a basic fundamental condition we all experience expressed through the Science of Mind . . . “Most of all, we must surrender our fear of the unknown. Ah, but this is where the power is, in the unknown. In the unknown rests unlimited potentiality.” The trick then becomes to admit that fear, confront our so called demons, realize how it is paralyzing our life and design or envision a plan. The Science of Mind continues with “The unknown terrifies our time-blinded eyes. It causes our ego to do anything it can to keep us from going to that place. Procrastination is one of the ego’s tricks – so is overworking.” Sound familiar? Of course it does, because we have all been there in one way or another, but may not wish to admit it even to ourselves or anyone else. Lastly, The Science of Mind suggests “When we truly surrender, we are saying that we are nothing.” This last phrase to some individuals and their irrepressible egos, sends shear terror beyond imagining into their very existence.
As we have come to understand, by the simple act of consciously admitting we are afraid . . . dispels the shadowy darkness and begins to shine a light on our very essence. This is not easy, and to say it is would be an exercise in futility. Sometimes we come to realize we have been conditioned since childhood to run from our fears, what we don’t understand or cannot control. We go to unreasonable lengths unconsciously, to circumvent what we don’t know, don’t understand, and refuse to admit even to ourselves. Make no mistake, we may fool ourselves for decades, but those that objectively observe us can markedly see right through the veiled disguise with accurate acuity, and will use it purposefullly to our disadvantage when possible. The better choice may be embracing these words of Rumi . . . “Stop swimming so hard and climb in the boat.”
When we all come to that time in our lives where we can look back over the years and reflect upon our choices, decisions, actions or in-actions with courage, truth, integrity, honesty, character, principles, values, and contemplative consciousness we are able to enact these thoughts of Oscar Wilde with clarity . . . “The final mystery is oneself. When one has weighed the sun in the balance, and measured the steps of the moon, and mapped out the seven heavens star by star, there still remains oneself. Who can calculate the orbit of his own soul?” JLR