INQUIRY
Last week, I posed the question, “How do you gain access to what you don’t already know?” I’ve been holding this question in mind all week as well. From time to time, with little or no effort on my part, I would remember it. Then I would come to the question behind the question, which is about knowing and not knowing, and what I can learn from each one.

I have a preference for not-knowing as you can probably tell, because I have seen the way knowing gets in the way, especially when something new is being explored.



When I look closely at what I know, I can see that my knowledge has its origins in the past. Past memories, past experiences, and past lessons, all are part of my storehouse of knowledge. And all are valuable tools. And yet, I’ve seen the way knowledge can be used as a tool for separation, and in those situations there is awareness for sure, but it’s more one-sided rather than inclusive. These are the times when I (or someone I’m with) uses what they know as a wedge of superiority, as if they know better or more than the other person.


I was thinking about all this just yesterday while hiking one of my favorite Sonoma County trails. And then it hit me.

 Drum roll please.

I don’t know what’s next.



One thing I can say for certain about what I don’t know is what comes next. I act as if I do know sometimes. I even make plans for what is next. Where to go. Who to see, and so on. But, if I’m really honest, I must admit that I don’t know what will happen the next day, next hour, or next second. I can guess, or go to someone and have them tell me what they think, but I cannot possibly know what’s next — until it happens. I may have plans for a picnic, and then it rains. I might expect someone to say or do something, and be completely surprised by what they do instead. 



I don’t know what’s next.



Why then, do I/we put so much effort in trying to figure out what’s next? It’s obvious I suppose. We want to survive, whatever that means to each of us. And we believe the better we are at predicting the future, the greater our chances for survival. This is only natural.



And yet, is there sometimes a struggle within us when we we’re in a tight spot and don’t know what’s coming next? And if there is an internal struggle, does it end when we know what comes next? I don’t believe it does, because then there’s the next next, and the next one after that. And our need to know may in fact be part of the struggle.

I've noticed that concern for the future is a real show stopper. If it's strong enough, it stalls commitment in its tracks. Maybe, just maybe, releasing some of the concern for what comes next, allows us access to unseen (or unknown) sources.

I have a plaque that says, "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas & splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too."



This brings up a new question. What is available to me if I give up having to know what’s next? 



Without the need to know what the future will bring, the present comes more clearly into focus. The amazing thing is that as you focus the full attention of your five senses plus the added dimension of your mind on the present, the present easily flows into what's next, and takes you along for the ride.

The freedom from needing to know allows you to take in the wonder of what has never been, and will never repeat — a one time live experience. And then something new emerges.

You come to the reality of the present which is: 

This moment is timeless.

It’s not bound by the past. It’s not headed for the future. It simply is. Then off come the filters. This is not a rehearsal for a future event. This is the event.



PRACTICE
This coming week, notice what happens when you relax your need to know what’s next, even just a little. You don’t have to give it up entirely. You don’t need to practice it in every situation. But if you find yourself struggling with what do in the future, or needing to know how something will turn out, see if you can look behind the struggle, at what the extra effort is all about, and if it's not required or necessary, see if you can relax around it.

Take in a deep breath and imagine the life-giving essence within the breath and allow it to fill, surround, and lighten your day, especially  where you feel tight, or concerned.



The second part of this practice is to refocus your attention. Bring your awareness, as fully as you can, into the moment you’re in. Engage with it, just as it is. Let the present reveal what’s next, with you as it’s partner in the dance. Let it be a surprise. Whatever you discover, stay with it, without holding onto it, or controlling where it ends up.

Just be.

AWARENESS
If this practice brings you any insights, please feel free to write them in the comments section of this blog.

In peace,

Michael Davis