Western intellectualism teaches us that intelligence only resides in the mind. This is a very limited world-view that misses the full spectrum of intelligences that we humans can draw from. When our intellect does not have the answers we seek, where do we turn? We must step outside of our intellect, outside of our knowing-mind and into the realm of the unfamiliar. This is where we will begin to recognize the non-rational, intuitive, mysterious nature of our own being. Somewhere within this internal realm are the answers to many of our greatest questions. Are you ready to go beyond?
Unfortunately we find systems of education today that have departed so far from the plain truth, that they now teach us to be proud of what we know and ashamed of ignorance. This is doubly corrupt. It is corrupt not only because pride is in itself a mortal sin, but also because to teach pride in knowledge is to put up an effective barrier against any advance upon what is already known, since it makes one ashamed to look beyond the bonds imposed by one’s ignorance.
To any person prepared to enter with respect into the realm of his great and universal ignorance, the secrets of being will eventually unfold, and they will do so in a measure according to his freedom from natural and indoctrinated shame in his respect of their revelation. – G. Spencer Brown, Laws of Form
Inner-Listening
We’ve all heard the phrases, “follow your heart” or “listen to your gut”, but how many of us really know how to do that? It is not a quantifiable science, and there are few formal settings (like classrooms) to learn these skills. Ironically these particular skills of emotional intelligence, inner-listening, visioning, and intuitive sensing may be some of the most important tools that we have if we want to thrive in the world.
With our senses outwardly turned we rarely take any time to be in the stillness or the silence of our internal world. It is safer to inhabit our minds and the things we know than it is to delve into the uncomfortable realm of unknowns. Yet this is the place where deep wisdom emerges. It may be scary but we are here to face our fears not run from them.
Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. – C.G. Jung
Personal Evolution is the Solution
Globally we are faced with potentially catastrophic earth changes and strife. When we look to the experts outside of ourselves it can be quite scary to consider the world we are coming into. Yet many great thinkers are actually seeing this moment in history as a wonderful opportunity for all of humanity to awaken. This kind of “thinking” gives us new ways to integrate feelings, thoughts, ideas and can change the way we experience the world. Most of all it is free of academic, intellectual restraints and can be liberating on many levels.
Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.
– C.G. Jung
Why fear the unknown mysteries within us when our leading science tells us that we are quite literally made of the same elements as stars? Why fear experimenting with new ideas and beliefs when experts are telling us that our thoughts literally affect every aspect of our physical well-being? When we place our security on what we know, what happens when new information is presented that does not fit into our box of “knowns”? This often causes us to resist the new information. Be secure in who you are, not what you know.
Dreams Have Non-Linear Wisdom
Anthony Colombo at Dreamspace offers a very interesting way to approach the realm of our internal world through dreams. He then takes the impulses from his dreams and finds connections across different disciplines within science. Even if you don’t meditate or have time to spend in nature, every night your subconscious is speaking to you in the language of dreams while you sleep. This is your “inner-nature” attempting to communicate with you. All you have to do is listen and pay attention Grab a journal and place it on your nightstand so that you can write down what you remember each morning.
Is our environmental crisis the first step on the path to our vibrant future? This optimistic possibility arises from understanding how nature always dreams forth new life, even amidst practically impossible odds. – Anthony Colombo, from The Dream of Climate Change, How our Environmental Crisis Helps us Collaboratively Create a Vibrant Planet
Intuition
Even the smallest acts of listening to inner impulses will help you learn to cultivate your intuition. Each time you pause and allow stillness or silence you are letting your inner guidance know that you trust it and that you are listening. It may feel uncomfortable or even scary at times but we aren’t here to be ruled by our fears. Think of your inner self as a child. When you listen to it and show it that you love it, it will open up and share worlds with you.
These are just a few ways to embrace non-traditional, non-intellectual forms of wisdom. Asking questions, accepting the vast unknowns, listening to intuition and dreams are all essential practices. There is an endless universe full of mysteries and we have an untapped capacity to integrate different forms of information.
Everything that we humans have created didn’t exist at one time. So there is no need to place all of your focus on what is already known. Certainly the unknown is much bigger than what is known. Find humor in your ignorance and your pride will soften. Doing this for yourself might be one of the best things your can do for everyone around you and possibly even the planet. We are being called by the cosmic tides of change to employ every tool, resource, and inspiration within us to come together. Collectively it’s time to birth something new in this world. Are you ready to step beyond the confines of intellect.
