Not knowing can be seen as a freedom from knowing what is laid out in advance.
When we accept not knowing as source, we can investigate and understand without compulsion, for knowing is no longer an unnatural act. We can proceed more loosely, even therapeutically, letting knowledge emerge naturally. This shift is really a kind of revolution. VOK 159
The other day I was arguing about an issue with a fellow worker. We had to make a decision about how to conduct a task. She insisted in her point of view and I in mine. She was very sure about her position, and I was uncertain and worried about mine. At one point, not knowing prevailed and filled my experience with space. Within this space, I could see that my position was based in the past experiences I had in making decisions, which was filled with pain. I was afraid of accepting her point of view because, in my experience, pain would follow.
This knowledge showed to me a new horizon, showed to me the possibility that it could be different. In making concrete the gulf between knowing and not knowing I could relax the rejection of the not-known; accepting not-knowing as an ally.
Within this openness, I realized the tendency to embrace my fellow´s point of view, and saw that I was moving to the opposite side, and that my knowledge was not complete. I had to find a new balance to accommodate her view and the knowledge of the possible consequences. This new balance allowed me to investigate the circumstances without compulsion.
While accepting limits, it is possible to investigate these limits and past dictation, discovering “that there is really no turning away from the Body of Knowledge†VOK 167.
In the play of experience, we discover the dance of knowledge. This can be our path. WIR 366
Sometimes in space exploration movies, the astronauts will realize that they don’t need their helmets nor the air supply inside their suits because the atmosphere of the whole planet is beathable. Perhaps when we turn from the artificial environment of old opinions–chosing to explore a fresh unknown openness over the small environment of past positions–we are removing a “space suit” and stepping into space.
Dear Eliana,
I would like to add another quote from VOK 159: “When we welcome not-knowing, something deep in us relaxes. We do not have to push not-knowing away, do not have to fear it or cover it up or disguise it.”
There was also a deep feeling of relaxation, when I practised TSK Ex.29: Awareness as a reflective surface. Richness of experience – gratitude!
Karin