Leaning into Uncertainty: Embracing the Unknown in 2023

Good riddance, what a year you have been 2022.

You have upended the lives of many amidst the economic uncertainty and the rising anxieties posed by inflation.

You have put the world on edge as we witness citizens around the world fighting corruption in autocratic regimes for liberty, justice and equality.

You have shown us the fragility and vulnerability of our precious beloved planet. We remain in a state of unease and trepidation facing the continued risk of an ongoing environmental crisis.

We may long for utopia, a panacea of relative stability and assurance, but perhaps the only thing we can be certain of is uncertainty.

How could we ever expect things to smoothly in a world as complex as ours? The tighter we hold our grip, the more we begin to realize how little control we do have.

What if we were to let go of our predetermined plans or expectations and lean into the unknown. Only then can we fully welcome and embrace the beauty of the present moment. We can draw our heightened attention with awe to the mystery and wonder of the miracle of life on earth.

As our rigid patterns of thinking fade away, new paths begin to emerge. Novelty, creativity and excitement emanate as we gradually walk through the fog of the uncertainty.

Uncertainty requires patience. Uncertainty requires grace. Uncertainty requires faith in the goodness and resilience of the human spirit.

We can have reassurance in the strength found in our character and inner life.

As I put away my preconceived plans and expectations for 2023, I slowly walk towards the unknown in 2023 with a resolve to lean into the great unknown.

Wishing you all a safe and happy new year,

Andrew

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This was originally posted on the Wise and Shine Blog

Longing for Home

 
What does it mean to be at home? 
A simple sentiment, but one filled with rich metaphorical meaning 

Home is much more than a shelter which protects you against the elements
More profound than a property that stores your possessions

It is a refuge not only for the body, 
but for the spirit

Home is where we feel a deep connection, an intense bond, to a sense of place 
It is where we are nourished by our relationships to our family, community and traditions  
It embodies our identity, and  answers the questions of who we are, and what we live for

Home carries the weight of responsibility,  
It ties us together in reciprocity 
Joins us in unity, as we act towards a higher purpose

How different things would be if we were to cherish the earth as a home for all living beings?

To put away our naïve fantasies, 
venturing to new planets, 
existing in virtual worlds 

For everything we need is right in front of us

The earth is a gift, 
 Life - a dance, a celebration in gratitude  

We sing in praise of  its beauty 
and dance in service of the mystery

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The Horizons of Meaning

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In June 2022 I took a course on Deep Philosophy (https://dphilo.org). Below is an excerpt of a text I wrote for the course. It focuses on where I find meaning in life, namely through art and creativity.

Meaninglessness is a blank canvas. It alienates one to the world around them. The whole world looks grey. Stripped of color and dominated by routine, one mundane task after the other. One lives solely to fulfill the demands of the other, whether it is for their parents, employers or society. Meaninglessness closes the door to the world of possibilities that life can offer.

It is only through creativity where meaning begins to shine through the cracks.

Meaning is the immersion in the infinite space of creativity. It enables one to view the whole world like an artist. Every moment that arises is raw materials for one’s creation. Both suffering and joy are equal opportunities to embrace and connect to the richness of life.

It comes to a person spontaneously like a flash of insight. One is compelled to create.

An idea that requires nurturing through actions which authentically connect to the inner depths of their being. It can be through working on a piece of art, writing a new poem or any activity which requires you to be an active participant in the world around you.

Life is no longer governed by indifference, but a sense of aliveness that comes with being connected to one’s own creation.

Freedom emerges in the horizon.

As we follow our path, we are transformed into our authentic selves – who we truly are, and who we ought to be.

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