Unknowing

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As humans we love to know things. We are hard-wired to want to know. It helps our brain feel safer when we can figure out cause and effect. If we can find an explanation, then we can avoid it in the future or make sure we get it right next time. 

Fundamentally, we want to know:

Will they be okay? 

Will I be okay?

Will it all be okay? 

The answer is yes. Yes, it all will be okay. But, we want to know what that means, and how, and when, and what form of okay. To avoid the anxiety of worry, we have to bring our brains back into the present moment. We probably all need help becoming more comfortable with not knowing and a place to start is  the practice of “unknowing.” 

Christian mystics use Unknowing as a way to peel back all that they have been taught about God to enter into a realm of actually experiencing God. This practice has deepened my own faith. For me, to know God is to Unknow everything I’ve been taught and instead allow God to reveal God to me - and every revelation so far has been loving. In addition to faith, this idea of Unknowing can also apply in various area of our life. 

We want to know when:

  • How long before this workout shows results?

  • How long will this virus last?

  • How long until I get to see you again?

We want to know where:

  • Where will I be after I graduate?

  • Where am I going to find my partner?

  • Where will I go when I can’t live in this place any longer? 

We want to know why:

  • Why didn’t they see what I could offer?

  • Why did God not stop that tragedy? 

  • Why won’t things align for me?

We don’t know. It feels like we need to know, but we actually just want to know. We don’t need to know. Life wouldn’t be a rich unfolding adventure if we knew it all. The thrill is actually in the surprises, twists and turns, redemptions, and new developments. 

See if you can practice Unknowing this week. Open yourself to the unknown. Stay curious to what will happen next. Loosen your grip. Keep adapting. Embrace what comes.

You have the capability and inner strength to figure it out as you go.

Let it unfold, you will be better than okay. 

It is okay to not know,