Road-tested wisdom

I've listened to “the experts” for far too long. You know, the ones with the credentials, but no callouses to back 'em up. Hmmm ... on second thought, perhaps I just haven't listened to the wisdom of the common man (or woman) enough. Those with the observations that that make me say, “I know this, too ... somehow”

Now, after benefiting from the real life experience of several bloggers this week, I just might give my pop psychology books a rest and visit the blogosphere more often!

Here's a sampling of road-tested truths I've recently re-learned from my peers.

1.  I must face my fears to find fulfillment. The Fearless Blog pulls no punches in bringing this reality to my attention with these words:

“I don't know if life is supposed to be hard. I don't know that life should be easy. I know sometimes we must go with the flow but other times we have to push or pull if we are ever going to improve our lives, achieve our dreams or simply find peace. I constantly remind myself to face my fears, challenge myself and find a way to do the things I think sometimes I cannot do. ... I must do GREAT THINGS and be FEARLESS, for it is in those achievements that I feel fulfilled.”

2.  I must look to the small things in life for happiness. On a philosophical level I already know this to me true, but Evenstar Art has provided me with a beautiful, simple reminder:

“Again and again ...it is the simple pleasures in my life that keep my head and heart above water. The soft and gentle song of the Baltimore Oriole at 7am. A whirlwind of maple seeds spiraling into my lap...  Big events in life are not what are sustaining. They don't come often enough.”

3. Worlds of wonder are all about me. Finding Life's Enchantments revealed this truth so well recently with literally the tiniest of observations:

“The lessons I learned from nature is that there are so many worlds within this world. Unseen worlds. I discovered that the weeds in my garden are protection for many insects and creepy crawlies. Each day that I work tending to my plants, I come upon these little spiders. They lie in the grass and weeds protecting their little round white egg full of their little ones. I accidentally separated the mother from her egg ... To my surprise when I nudged the little egg over to her, she took it immediately and went about her day.”

Maybe I find so much meaning in these shared snippets of life because none of the authors claims to be an expert. To my knowledge, they have nothing to prove and nothing to gain through the retelling. And yet they give of their lives, observations and stories all the same ... leading to my last road-tested truth, a personal observation of my own:

4. People are programmed to share.

Thanks to all the amazing bloggers -- including some I have yet to feature -- who have shared their insights with me this past week! You enrich my life!

Comments

[pepsoid]

Thank you Brenda, I'll certainly check out Emily's blog! - & no, I don't believe it's one I've alerted you to... ;)

I think "we" (society) are always seeking "heroes," because we are afraid to trust ourselves - our inner voices/Wisdom/God. I'd say it is indeed laziness, lack of self-worth *and* programming! Perhaps the world would be a more peaceful, less grasping, more spiritual place if we listened to ourselves more... perhaps the increasing popularity of blogging can help us to do this! :)

[Brenda]

Graciel, Thanks for stopping by! Your blog remains one of my favorite stops in the blogosphere!

Marcueto (The Fearless Blog), your commented reminded me that blogging does indeed involve courage! Rejection is only one comment away!

Pepsoid (The Progenitor), I've pondered the concept of the "God within" quite a bit (and find much support for it within a number of world religions)! I contrast that against the pseudo-wisdom you speak of ... or any wisdom that stems from external sources. Does it ever seem to you that human beings seek heroes instead of trying to tap into that inner wisdom? As if God (or the universe, our authentic selves, etc) couldn't speak directly to us? I often wonder if this is laziness, lack of self-worth or programming. (By the way, thanks for the link! I've got one for you, too! I can't remember how I found this one (I'll be embarrassed if its one you've alerted me previously), but as a soon-to-be Dad, check out Emily's blog: http://beinwonder.blogspot.com/

Emily, I'm like you in that I also enjoy finding great new blogs! I'm hoping to soon publish a sister-blog to this one that focuses on just that: highlighting the best writing I find in the blogosphere!

[Emily]

Thank YOU for sharing these great blog sites! I am always looking for inspiration and good reads.

Emily

[pepsoid]

Brenda,

Contrary to the pseudo-wisdom foisted upon us from our celebrity-worshipping, speed-obsessed culture, there is so much true, deep and powerful Wisdom (with a capital “W”!) to be found within the vast gamut of normal, everyday folk – when one speaks of “God” being within, I think this is largely what one means! There is Wisdom in you, Bren, and there is Wisdom in spades in everyone who takes the time to seek it… taking the time is the key! And writing (blogs etc) is the ultimate expression of slowing down and seeking our inner God…

:) :) :)

Pepsoid
x

[ PS. speaking of slowing down, did I ever introduce you to this?: http://www.slowdownnow.org/ ]

[the fearless blog]

What a delightful post. Thank you.
Many people, if not all, "need" to share and find acceptance even in the face of failure or rejection. You have tied all three of the posts so well.I clearly see the common thread. The journey...oh the journey! Marvelous!

[Graciel of Evenstar Art]

Brenda,

Yes, I agree with you, we are programmed to share. And in your generous sharing, you have given me a gift. The simple pleasure of warmth and appreciation and recognition. I'm blessed to be included in your list. Many, many thanks.

Your heart is wide open. And beautiful.

xo Graciel