Understanding – A Trap?
Last week I was introduced to three principles underlying the work of Dr. Brugh Joy: 1) Make no judgements, 2) Make no comparisons, and 3) Delete the need to understand.
Because so many of us are experiencing a kind of “gap” where nothing is quite wrong and nothing is quite right, I thought I would address the ‘need to understand’ this month. (Check out September when I share my perspective on the “gap” we seem to be experiencing.)
Too often the “need” to understand is a red herring, a distraction which takes us away from actually addressing the issue or experience we have convinced ourselves we “need” to understand. The idea being that, if we could understand, we would then know what to do; how to change, fix, or prevent it from happening again.
Mostly, however, pursuing the need to understand inhibits or prevents taking an action to address, embrace and heal the issue or event. The need to understand supports judgment and comparison and frequently ends in blame, instead of healing.
There is no way to understand why someone takes up a weapon and murders people in mass shootings.
There is no way to understand why police, who are oath-bound to serve and protect, kill so many and with so many rounds fired.
There is no way to understand why so many are committed to believing T’s biggest lie.
There is no way to understand why so many (including ourselves) have fallen into a fit of temper, self-condemnation, hopelessness, depression or rage.
The “need” to understand serves none: not you, not others, not the world.
So, what to do instead? Quan Yin tells me to do my basic practices – even (or especially) if they are not ‘working’ as they once did. Just do them! Do them consistently and with a sense of confident waiting.
You can do your basic grounding practice, stand behind your heart and a few rounds of your favorite mantra (not an affirmation).
You may choose to do several rounds of Self-Forgiveness and Gratitude practice.
In other words, move from a “need to understand” to healing what is not life-affirming, by doing your basic practices!
Thank you all for being such beautiful Light Bearers at a time when we all can use a reminder of who we are and have always been: Light!