And reminder from my early days of meditation recently resurfaced. Even though I have had ample evidence over the years, my unconscious bias dominates my thinking. I think I know what will be said, even by Divinity. I am so certain in my belief that I stop listening for anything beyond my conclusion. I can be so wrong!
In my effort to act on my learning and awareness, I find myself wrestling with my bias and working to embrace lessons insights.
Our unconscious bias is a strong adversary, often blocking one’s ability to put life’s insights and aspirations into practice. For me, naming and calling out this adversary is an essential first step, but it, as a step is not enough. Beyond naming, I am reminded to reflect and remember when I wrestled with this adversary before. I need to reach for my post-mortem reflection and memories to review a path taken so many times before. With a clear, unfiltered view, I can work through and beyond the barriers created in my weakness.
In my first few encounters with God’s voice, I was emotionally and mentally surprised in what Divinity focused on. It was consistently different than my view of what should be important. My view was never “wrong” or “bad”, rather it was simply different. I looked in one direction while God was looking in another. When I touch that emotion in the present, I find myself open and ready. I want to hear Divine whispers. I am listening for the nuances. My agenda of moments earlier takes a back seat to a readiness for God’s star.
Life has shown and convinced me of Divinity’s goodness. There is a structure, design, and plan where I am the builder. As I listen to the stories of God in my life, I find myself repeating the words of the psalmist, “You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence.” (Psalm 139.4) I should not be surprised, and yet I am. I love your words and the directions you have laid out for me.
