“We don’t know.”
“We don’t have enough information.”
“We’re not sure what to do right now.”
We hear these words a lot in today’s news. It’s ironic that in an age when we’re accustomed to having all our questions answered with a single command (Hey, google) that we know very little about the most crucial questions facing us right now. This is generating a considerable amount of anxiety in our world today.
The human mind is not comfortable with not knowing–particularly when it involves how we will manage our lives. The mind craves the familiar, the certain, the “tried and true;” and it shrinks mightily from the experience of not knowing.
Understanding, planning and predicting are the gears that turn the engine of our modern world. We want leaders who “have a handle on things.” (Few politicians would be elected on a “Don’t Know” platform!) And when we truly don’t know something we are loathe to accept that fact–to ourselves, as well as to others. The mind creates all manner of beliefs, theories, and fantasies to mitigate the anxiety of not knowing.
This aversion to the unknown runs very deep–most likely it originates in our physical drive for self-preservation. The unknown harbors the potential for danger: “What I don’t know can hurt me.” The primal mind will cling to outmoded beliefs no matter how much suffering it causes, because it helps us feel safe. “Better the devil you know” is our unspoken mantra.
And yet, there is little that we can do to control the future. We never know what will happen next–but we work very hard to avoid acknowledging that fact! We use planning as a buffer against the feeling of uncertainty—but it often doesn’t work. And when our plans are disrupted we usually feel disappointment or anger; underlying those feelings lies the deep anxiety of having little control over our destiny.
In some spiritual practices this state of not knowing is not only tolerated, but it’s cultivated; not knowing is used as a vehicle for awakening. “Don’t Know” Mind is a signature meditation practice in Korean Zen, as well as some other schools of Buddhism. The Japanese Zen master Suzuki Roshi referred to a state of not knowing as Beginners Mind: the mind that is fresh and new in every moment. This is the mind that knows nothing and contains the potential for everything. Beginners Mind is fertile ground for unique and creative possibilities—and for enlightenment.
The essence of this practice in everyday life is simply to live in the reality that you truly do not know what the future holds and that you are not in control of most events in your life. To engage this practice you need to allow all feelings to arise related to Don’t Know mind—typically it’s fear or anxiety.
One way to practice this is to first acknowledge any plans that you need to make, and then make them. Then, completely forget about them until you need to act. Set goals, if you wish. Identify what you need to do right now. Then let it go and live fully in the present moment.
As you focus entirely on the here and now notice any feelings that arise. Notice when your mind jumps to the future: planning, worry, daydreaming, hoping. And, if you can, notice the feeling that immediately preceded your jump out of the present moment. (e.g. uneasiness, anxiety, boredom….) This may be challenging at first, but with practice you can become aware of the feeling as it arises; and then you can choose to stay with the feeling itself rather than unconsciously split off from it.
Breathe. Notice physical sensations. Notice emotions. Notice memories and thoughts. Allow everything and be open to each feeling. Also, notice the general kind of thought that grabs your attention. Rehearsing a future event? Notice if fear is present. Reminiscing or rehashing the past? Notice if grief or remorse is present. Do not analyze or interpret- just be aware in each moment.
Eventually, you may notice that you are responding to situations in your life more effectively than if you had a plan for them! You may notice more serendipitous events in your life. You begin to trust your spontaneity. You may notice more creative ideas arising; creativity flows naturally if we give it space to grow. A mind that is not preoccupied is free.
And when you do make a decision or take action on something, then do it, and let go of all attachment to outcome.
If you can, use times of uncertainty to practice ‘Don’t Know Mind” then you will not only endure a crisis, but you may be transformed by it. And when the time comes, you won’t just “return to normal” –you will be a different person, and can be part of creating a different and better world. Times of uncertainty can amplify suffering or it can become a launching pad for freedom from it. It all depends on how you choose to live in each and every moment.
Robert Brumet leads the Unity Sangha in the Kansas City area and offers meditation retreats throughout North America. He has led many retreats for Mid America Dharma.
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