I am teaching a class and I see the puzzled looks in the face of my students. I make a distinction between knowledge (top-down information imparted from the outside) and wisdom (an organically grown investigation from within), and it seems a little bit strange at first. When we discuss the necessary sources of information (knowledge and wisdom) to move successfully through the world, it is clear to me they don’t believe their experience has anything to offer and they also wonder how do we reach within.
We talk about the use of contemplative practices and writing, and they slowly develop an awareness of the experiential wisdom residing within themselves. They develop trust and turn inward to illuminate the undiscovered treasures of their unique personalities and stories.
It is a challenging path, for believing that you have something to offer to this world takes courage and faith. But the practice of mindfulness helps and when they discover a new tool (language, sound and meaning) they are excited to enter the journey, to discover the sacred inner spaces of their unique being.
Do you ever stop to ponder what you know? How do you explore the jewels of wisdom that come with your experience? Do you empower yourself by using the tools around you, of both knowledge and wisdom, as you move through life?
Try this meditation:
Moment by moment, notice. What do you know to be true? Breathing in, breathing out, look at your experiences of the past. What did you learn? Is trusting yourself getting in your way? Moment by moment, keep a mind clear like the sky. Whoever you want to be, start now, moment by moment, just trust your wisdom, just do it.
Juan Velasco