When I read that the topic for RAOKA this month would be wisdom, I knew that I would wait until the end of the month to write the post. I had great visions of a month spent looking at wisdom, perhaps doing a bit of research, and writing a post that looked at the international wisdoms I noted throughout the month.
That didn’t happen though. Thus, I arrived in my office this morning with a ballerina in tow and a vague idea as to what this post might include. It would not be the wise words of men and women throughout the centuries – those bits of wisdom passed down in proverbs and saying and “old wives’ tails” as I had anticipated (though that might be an interesting post in the future); but, it would be about wisdom that has been present in my life for years and more in the forefront of late.
Wisdom is passed from generation to generation, directly or indirectly. WE learn from our elders through their words and their actions. We learn from children – sometimes the lessons they teach are those we have learned and forgotten while at times, their insight is profound. We can even find wisdom shared by our pets, nature, and the world at large. Wisdom is shared by friends, lovers, strangers. It is shared through stories, songs, art, dance, proverbs….
Wisdom is out there for us to absorb – to give and share – but often this only happens when we are open to the wisdom or are ready to hear it with our hearts.
Throughout June I found myself considering little pieces of wisdom that seems so straight forward and simple at first glance, but the choice to engage and live them is one that is made daily. They are pieces of ancient wisdom- secrets of life in a way – wisdom that I work to model and pass down to my daughter.
The first seems to be a theme of my posts throughout the past year – Be true to yourself. This little piece of wisdom is seen throughout the centuries in different forms. It seems that people throughout time and in varying cultures realized the importance of personal integrity and alignment of mind, body and soul or thought and action. Being true to self is often challenging as we live in societies that strive for conforming; keeping up with our neighbors; focus on status and lifestyle; and the idea of doing what is “right” with right being defined by the society itself over the individuals and the situation and the “right” being what is truth. Often being true to self means turning away from people and places that we love. Often it means confronting societal norms, swimming against the stream, or facing the judgments of others. It is easy to, on the surface, live in conformity with the expectations of others and follow the “party line.” And yet… the challenge of being true to self is one that I choose and embrace.
The second – Look within.
This one is like an onion for me. It isn’t until June that I started unpeeling the different layers… what exactly does this mean? As time passes and experiences evolve, I am finding the wisdom in this little saying “look within.”
The last is a gem and has been an active and evolving part of my life as long as I can remember – Love is a gift – no strings, no expectations, no ownership, no conditions. Love is a gift of acceptance and freedom in a way. Love is the gift of allowing others to look within, to be true to self, and to love. It is a gift that we give ourselves as well – allowing ourselves the freedom to choose, make mistakes, choose again… loving all the while.
I suppose I can’t finish this post without adding this, heard last year but still being learned – Choose your highest potential – Be your highest potential.
RAOKA is founded on the idea that we can do little things to make a difference. The little things in life, the little things that we all can do and do daily – like laughter, express passion, gratitude… These acts are noted by various people in accordance with a theme chosen each month. June’s theme was Wisdom – July’s theme is trust.
For more information on participating and RAOKA, please contact Lori and Jane Be Nimble!!
Other writings on wisdom:
9 comments:
So true about looking within. I think without that, we have no chance of approaching any sort of wisdom. So glad you wrote about this!
Hello,
I loved your entire post, but this statement really stood out "Wisdom is out there for us to absorb – to give and share – but often this only happens when we are open to the wisdom or are ready to hear it with our hearts."
WOW. Great job with this post!
Hi M,
You said, "We can even find wisdom shared by our pets, nature, and the world at large. Wisdom is shared by friends, lovers, strangers. It is shared through stories, songs, art, dance, proverbs…."
As I mentioned in Eric's post, I wish I had written more about nature in regards to wisdom. But, I'm happy to read your words here. Alongside that, how beautiful it is to think of wisdom shared through stories, songs, art, dance, and proverbs. You really nailed it! Your words are so lovely.
Also, as the month progresses and I keep my eyes out for the month's them, most often all the little notes I take get tossed and I end up writing from my heart. It seemed the same process unfolds for you.
I thought that very awesome, soul sister. :)
Big thanks for participating in RAOKA this month! Your thoughts are beautiful.
I really enjoyed your post and loved the "be true to yourself" piece of wisdom. You are right that we can gain bits of wisdom from our elders and other people we come in contact with. I really believe that every moment, every person offers us an opportunity to gain wisdom. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I really enjoyed your post and loved the "be true to yourself" piece of wisdom. You are right that we can gain bits of wisdom from our elders and other people we come in contact with. I really believe that every moment, every person offers us an opportunity to gain wisdom. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi TE,
This part about being true to self really resonates with me:
"Often it means confronting societal norms, swimming against the stream, or facing the judgments of others."
I think we all conform to societal norms to varying degrees. We wear clothes, we brush our teeth, we get an education, we pay our bills and taxes, etc. When it comes to matters of the heart, to choices that are highly personal, to passions that are deeply felt, I think this is when it gets tricky for many because that conformity line is wide and all-encopassing. But I actually believe that once we tune in to ourselves within, as you say, it becomes easier to let our individuality breathe and come to life. Once we begin to give voice our true self, it's eye-opening, it feels right and there's less room for doubt, for second-guesses.
Thanks for a thought-provoking post.
I loved what you said about the necessity of turning away from social norms and even loved ones in an effort to stay true to yourself. As a vegan I have encountered a lot of resistance, because this NOT the social norm, but it feels right for me so I've been able to stand up to the controversy and live my life the way I believe I am meant to. I really enjoyed this post.
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