I recently found myself trying to figure out how something worked. Despite reading, watching, and experimenting, the only thing I knew for sure was that I was less certain of how it worked at the end of my efforts than I was before I started. As I pushed on, pausing, restarting from a different direction, only to realize that I still did not understand, a friend came to my rescue.
“Let me show you.”
A demo with pauses at just the right moment changed everything! As the lights began to burn in my mind, I found myself considering what this experience reminded me of. In a word with endless new, changing, and confusing situations, a guide is always helpful. In voice, hand, and action, it helps to hear and see what otherwise would have remained quietly hidden.
Reflecting on myself and the number of conundrums in my life, I see how often I could use the following mantras as a guide to guides.
Follow the brightest and best in asking to see. The Psalmist’s request still rings true; “Let your servants see what you’re best at – the ways you rule and bless your children.” (Psalm 90.16) There is little point of repeating one’s failed attempts to construct and create knowledge. Change the equation by inviting others to join the quest.
Be open to seeing things differently than what your intuition and learnings tell you is the way. There are more ways to see, experience, and do than one can imagine. Unless one is willing and able to see and act in new ways, it is hard to learn and grow.
Do something with what others share. If you want to experience the fullness of learning and growing, one needs to embrace and bring the new insights into your self. Engaging the mind and the heart will be required but this is not the end. The insights must be put into action if one wants to understand from the inside out. The full experience circle will gift one with the ability to share in the future.
