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Confusion as the Solution
How don’t know-mind leads to wisdom
Do you feel overwhelmed and confused? Does every day seem to bring more unanswered questions? This is not necessarily a problem. It may even be part of a solution to a bigger problem.
Not knowing is scary because what we think we know gives us a sense of stability, solidity, and meaning. Without those, we feel threatened in many ways, all at once.
But when we accept not knowing, other things lose our grip on us. What we think we know limits us, often burdens us with assumptions and worries. Like the do-nothing technique, not knowing opens up knowledge that spontaneous attention can then strengthen. And it even develops the attentional skills of concentration, sensory clarity, and equanimity all by itself, when these skills are unhindered by our habitual desire to know and control.
When we embrace not knowing, we are practicing mental balance regarding our common primary anxiety. That liberates us from negative emotions and thoughts, which in turn helps us get good ideas and deep insights. If we let go of the need to know for a while, we may return to a problem with a refreshed mind. Wisdom arises spontaneously.
