Life is all lessons…ignorance is not a destiny…
In our everyday lives we often encounter questions that need answers. However, we make the wrong approach in brewing our understanding. As a consequence we get confused: the seeming answer we have acquired proves more of an enigma.
There are many factors that inhibit our capability to fully understand. We are always overridden by our beliefs, superstition, bias, ego, bigotry and false sense of righteousness. Instead of harnessing what really is, we are quick to dispel it with our implacable tendency to see what we want to see. We readily rely, by default, on our acquired and limited knowledge, never giving thought of extending our self to the fact that we have missed some important caveats.
For reasons of universality let me take the case of problems. Consider your approach in dealing with it; our common practice is to focus on the problem and seldom on the understanding of its cause. We are merely fixing the effects rather than penetrating its roots. Prior to any effective solution, finding a deep understanding as to the source of our problem is an important requisite. But where you will ask can I find such understanding? The answer lies on knowing how to look for it. One common source of understanding we rely on heavily is our own experiences. However, we made the mistake of making it our sole and reliable source. As a consequence, our understanding becomes confined. To prevent this usual mistake we must also incorporate the experiences of others—irrespective of their seeming contradiction to the tenets of our own experience.
In order to openly consider the experience of others, one must be willing to accept its viability, without any cloud of right and wrong. We all have different perspective of things, be it in perceiving the same object. If I tell you that you are the source of all your problems you may dismiss me as unreasonable or stupid, you will tell yourself who in their right minds will make a problem for themselves. However, if you really seek true understanding, you will consider my thoughts and ponder upon it without the influence of your established beliefs. By making an analysis based on the premise of actual facts, and seeing the problem in its pristine form, you will realize that they are mere perceptions we allow unto our self. Once you have considered every facets of verification including the input outside yourself, you will see problem in a different light—you may probably see it as an opportunity to improve your lot rather than your previous perception of inconvenience. Such is the true nature of understanding.
Another avenue that implicates the importance of deep understanding is our interactions with people, be they strangers or someone we care about. Notice how easily we fall into altercation with other people—especially strangers. Since we shrink our understanding within the boundaries of our ego, we fail to expand to see the whole picture. The effect thus is demarcation. In interacting with strangers, it is our nature to be wary and discriminating; little misunderstanding may invite intimidation or threat. In effect, the flow of connection is interrupted. But if we manage to let down our discriminatory instincts and see other human beings in the light of understanding, we will see our connection with one another.
Among all forms of relationship, we should remember the uniqueness of each individual. Let it be understood that we all have differences and with such comes our privilege for idiosyncrasy; therefore we should not be selfish of our own exclusivity. Poor understanding of this principle had been the source of conflicts among relationships. “I am right, you are wrong.” “No, you don’t understand!” “What is wrong with you, why can’t you appreciate my efforts?” “Shut up, you don’t know anything.” “Why are you not listening?” “I’m tired of your complaining!” These are the common lines of communication we volley at each other. Our inability for deep understanding has caused a crack on our intimacy with our close ones.
Finally, life itself requires deep understanding. There is much to our existence; we are never meant to live a life of ignorance and instincts. All of us will come to a certain point when we will question the reason for why everything is—from our beginnings up to the mystery of our demise. If we settle in our material perception of life, our understanding will be confined to the limits of our form. If we, on the other hand try to scratch on the nature of the unknown through the channels of philosophy and critical thinking, we may provide our self with a deep understanding of our real place in this life and beyond.
“Man is always inclined to be intolerant towards the thing, or person, he hasn’t taken the time adequately to understand.”
–Robert R. Brown
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Our lifetime is not enough to know all the experiences of life. Therefore, we need to have other sources in maximizing our understanding of the many facets of our existence. In this regard I am bound to share with you the most powerful materials that have shaken my foundation and have changed my life as well as the lives of many.
Life is full of questions but I have found answers in perusing the books: The Road Less Traveled, Man’s Search for Meaning and The Power of Now, these has given me light on the deepest nature of man. Still, in searching for ways of enhancing my life I have found: Think and Grow Rich, The Magic of Thinking Big and Thick Face Black Heart. In matters of understanding my mind I was greatly enlightened by the suspense filled novel’s Way of the Peaceful Warrior, A Rich Man’s Secret and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. And finally, I have understood the pattern of my finances through reading Secrets of the Millionaire Mind.
Everything we wish in life will come upon us if we first seek the wisdom of knowing.
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I think that we can come to a deeper sense of understanding ourselves and other people if we realize that our nervous system is the ultimate instrument for observing reality, yet it is wired differently from other people. This means, no two nervous systems are alike. If that’s the case, what is “true” for me may not be “true” for somebody else or we can just say that “truth” is subjective. Also, there’s a big difference between the “truth” and a “fact.” If people agree with me, then what I’m saying becomes a “FACT.” However, it only remains a fact as long as we all agree to it. The moment one of us dismisses the idea, we can settle that in court.
Ryhen Satch´s last blog ..Do You Know Kung Fu?
I do agree with your observation here Ryhen. But some of us don’t know this fact, and so we always enforce our own understanding of truth.
Walter, I think you are, by far, my favourite blogger on the web for deep, well thought out and articulated writing that makes me, as you say, search for deep understanding.
I know these post must take you a long time to put together so I wanted to say thankyou for that.
Peace
Jonny´s last blog ..3 Months In The Life Of A Travelling Entrepreneur
To tell you the truth Jonny, I do not write just to be able to have something to post. All of my composition comes from the depths of my understanding, which I have acquired from many sources outside myself. Life is short. I want to make a contribution to the betterment of mankind.
I respect your perspicaciousness, Walter.
Another way to deepen our understanding of a subject is to not only ask what is the cause, but also, what is the cause of the cause.
Tim | InspirationPro.net´s last blog ..9 Powerful Techniques for Persuading People
Cause of the cause; this is profound Tim and this is my greatest question in life for which I am in search.
OMG Tim, you are inviting a snowball effect there. With that method of problem solving, it wouldn’t be surprising to see one who is just pondering on why his parents gave him, say, John as his name, to ask why his dad’s name is Johann, and eventually to go crazy asking how God got his name, e.g. Jehovah, El Shaddai, etc.
Seriously, I believe that conflicts between, say, fathers and teenager sons can be lessened if fathers do not rely on their past experiences alone in trying to understand his son’s actions. An open and inquiring mind is the key to deep understanding. Wow, I can’t believe I said that. I don’t often think deeper beyond what to order for dinner.
Hey Walter, I like your blog. It’s a breath of fresh air.
James M.´s last blog ..DIV Background Image for Wordpress Post
Hey Walter,
Interesting post. I love the concept of deep understanding, in close relation with the one of wisdom. I do think most people are too confident in their own experience as a way to reach conclusions about life, love, whatever. It’s usually hasty to generalize like that from your personal experience. This is what a like about coaching and counseling: it allows a person to draw from the experience of numerous people on the same area.
Eduard
Ideas With A Kick´s last blog ..Personal development ideas I can do without
Most of us believe that we understand, yet we are too narrow to allow the light of others. We should always be aware of this error.
Love it
Something I can relate to. Matter of fact I talked about creating value by disagreeing in one of my recent articles – I discussed similar concepts but from a different angle.
While I was reading your article, it hit me that if we took the collective human consciousness then we would be able to get as close to truth as possible.
Each of us bring a unique although familiar perspective to things. Just like your article brought a different perspective on my already established views about truth. You could call this method triangulation because of the way it works.
Deep understanding is difficult. One reason I believe we fail open to others is because of other emotions. Sometimes, I understand on the intellectual level that I should do this or that, but my emotions tell me completely the opposite story!
Once again the first step is becoming aware that there is something more – a deeper understanding – to life than we understand. Only then we can embark on a journey of calming our senses and opening up to unique experiences.
Thank you for food for thought!
Best,
Tomas
Tomas Stonkus´s last blog ..The Quickest Way To Discover Your Values
Good to have shared your thoughts here Tomas. The only way we can grow in life is to learn to understand the wisdom of others. We can improve our lot if we discern our connection with one another.
This is a very well written article. It is presented in an organized and logical manner that it effectively transmits your thoughts to the reader.
I do agree that our built in “concept” of things around us sometimes prevents us from totally understanding things around us.
This is an apt quotation which I once read:
“Wise people learn from the mistakes of others.”
I’ll tweet about your interesting article. Kudos to you!
Jena Isle´s last blog ..An Immortal Relationship : Friendship
This is an excellent quotation Jena, simple yet profound. Thank you for appreciating my work.
A very well thought out post. You also provide great insights through your writing.
SK´s last blog ..Parcel in the mail – Frank Kadar – Venom Joker Supergirl Ironman
Thanks SK. I’m glad you see it this way.
Hi Walter,
I am always fascinated when people are lacking deep understanding. Reading your post was interesting because what you wrote seems like common sense but yet I realize that so many people tend to get carried away by the surface of things.
You did a wonderful job…as always. Hope all is awesome!
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..When in Doubt: To Be Like John or Jesus? Part Two 
Oftentimes, truth is presented through common sense. But self-centered attitude clouds this virtue.
I completely agree with you about how important it is to have an understanding of things around us, of other people, life and relationships. I must admit this is something I never even thought about in my past, but in the last few years I’ve done so much soul searching and come to realise how different everyone is, and how important it is to continually learn and develop. It takes time, but once you recognise the need to develop it that’s one of the most important steps – at least it was for me.
Ruth – Web Career Girl´s last blog ..What Are You Working For and How Do You Measure Your Progress?
Understanding takes time. It does not matter how long it takes, the important thing is that we pursue it.
Sometimes deep understanding of another person may result in the eye opening experience that a truth you hold dear may differ from the ‘truth’ another believes in.
Ken Kurosawa´s last blog ..Benefits of Simplifying Your Life
Exactly Ken. This is why we need to consider the voice of others.
Very well written Walter,
I agree with everything in the article :), our egos makes our limited knowledge seem like its vast and our fears limit us from trying to search the unknown for answers as those answers could break us out of our comfort/security zone we have created through many aspects of our lives (religions, relationships with people ect…),
Keep those writings coming :),
Matthew
Matthew Michael´s last blog ..Words Are Spoken By The Listener
Thanks Matthew, you did understood this important aspect of life.
Hi Walter. It is true that the unknown can lead to something better by breaking our comfort zone first. But what is “better”?
I think “better” is matter a personal taste. Something better for a person is not always better for others. Some people want to live happy and comfortably by creating their own comfort zone and protect it, some people want something better and better by keep breaking their comfort zone.
Isaac | GoBlogger´s last blog ..How to be a Persistent Blogger
Better is indeed a matter of personal taste. Actually, we have sole responsibility to the outcome of our lives. Whatever we choose is reflected upon us.
I especially like this post as it relates hugely to something that’s been happening in one of my personal relationships with a family member – for years I haven’t been able to solve the problem of her not communicating (it’s a long story I won’t go into), but only recently have I tried to deepen my understanding as to WHY things are the way they are – instead of looking at the outside, and the “symptoms” of the problem, recently I have begun to try and look at the whole picture, her past, her upbringing, and why she acts the way she does now – it’s not something you would immediately think of, but my deeper understanding has allowed me to feel better about the whole situation.
Thanks for another great post.
Emily Jane´s last blog ..Happy 101
Oftentimes Emily we need just to step back and detach from the confines of our mind to see what really is. For some it takes time, while others are quick to realize. Irrespective, the important thing is that we are able to choose to understand.
Interesting post… I love the concept of deep understanding and way you explained it..
Rajesh Kanuri @ TechCats´s last blog ..Free Panda Cloud Antivirus Review 
Welcome Rajesh. I’m glad you find this good.
Walter, you’re making me think too hard on this one!
Anyway, as for the point about problems, for those of you who know who Ally McBeal is, when she was asked what made her problems so special, she replied “they’re mine”.
Gabe | freebloghelp.com´s last blog ..The secret ingredient for reaching goals
Sorry about that Gabe. I just had it out deep within my thoughts.
“We are always overridden by our beliefs, superstition, bias, ego, bigotry and false sense of righteousness.”
This is the key. If we simply rest in awareness, without clinging to particular beliefs, we find with some surprise that our instinctive recognition is far more powerful than any tricks of self-development or intellect.
Kaushik´s last blog ..Acceptance is not something we do; it is something we stop doing
Nicely stated Kaushik, although this is not an easy task to achieve. Still, we must pursue this awareness.
Hi Walter,
Thanks for introducing me to your site. It seems very positive to me and is obviously appreciated by all those who have commented here.
Cheers
Will
P.S. Are you on BlogEngage.com ? I looked for you there but couldn’t find you! (please see link below) . By teh way, Rajesh, one of those commenting above has just joined – and, as I’m sure he’d tell you, it’s just a brilliant place for bloggers.
Will´s last blog ..BlogEngage.com – Site Of The Month – October 2009
Welcome to my blog Will. I glad you find this blog nice. I have recently joined BlogEngage, you can type lionslinger on the search box to find my entry.
Thank you for visiting, I hope it won’t be the last.
Walter – excellent post. I especially like your paragraph on relationships and the ‘I’m right, you’re wrong’ dialogue that happens a lot between people.
A lot of it is about letting go. Letting go of the ego. In order form that deep understanding I think it’s imperative that we learn to see the connection that each and every one of us have with each other.
Also, listening is a very strong component. Sometimes it’s good to to selflessly let go and really listen to what the other person is saying. It has to go both ways though in order to be effective. There has to be that respect on both sides.
Nate´s last blog ..Fearless Doing: Mindfulness Practice
There’s are lot we can learn if we allow our self to understand rather than to react.
Welcome to my blog Nate.
The mind set is the main cause for the capacity of the understanding power…your post explained a lot for the better understanding power.our attitudes also has the main role in the understanding. So we have to take the good thing in all.
Most of us are not aware of our mindsets, this is the reason of our narrow understanding. Unless we open our minds, we can leap to a greater understanding of things.
I also have a problem about understanding. Sometimes I think that I totally understand but in the deeper thought I only understand on thing that I see and not the entirety.
A very heartfelt thanks for this article Walter.
Jp Manching @ Beginners Blogging Guide
Jp Manching @ Beginners Blogging Guide´s last blog ..Blog Priorities 3: Whom to Blog
All of us have trouble with understanding, but by being aware and being observant, we can change this attitude.
It has always been my pleasure to share my thoughts.
Hello
This is a great post.Its really very interesting to read about deep understanding.I like your perspectives about it.You have well written that ‘life itself requires deep understanding’.Thank you very much for nice post.
Hey, thanks for appreciating.
[...] Deep understanding [...]
thank you, your information is very useful to say, I can learn a lot from your information and experience, to become better. success always for you
You are welcome, it feels good to have my work shared.
Great post, I only read it just now. And I totally agree that in order to understand anything we often rely to heavily on our own experiences.
And I also agree that we can not generalise our own experiences and we need to incorporate the experience of others. And indeed, even if they seem to contradict our own experience.
But I do not think those other experiences must be incorporated to soon. If we do not have a clear sense of who we are, those other experiences are most likely way to confusing.
So I think it is important to first become a strong and independent individual.
And I think that takes time.
For some it is easy, but for others, who have a deep understanding of others, it might be so much harder.
But personally I think it is important to close of the outside world for at least some time and just focus on the inside world.
And after that, it is indeed so important to incorporate other experiences. Although there is always the chance that someone will never expand their own beliefs and stays within a contradicting world.
Just my thoughts. And glad to have found this wonderful blogpost. Among many other blogposts here. I subscibed and hope to read more of your very thoughtful posts.
Annemieke´s last blog ..Three Subconscious Levels
You have shared an important requisite here. I agree that we must first look into ourselves and find out who we are before we are able to take into consideration the experiences of others. But I believe few of us face this challenge of confronting ourselves. However, if one is wise, he/she will take the uncomfortable experience of discovering thyself.
It’s very informative post.
Hammad | Laptop´s last blog ..Disney Netpal Princess Pink Netbook Review
I have learned a lot of new, interesting facts from your post. And I would like to know as much as possible on this tipoc as it is really actual. I am glad to know that there are still many intelligent people as you, because “The sum of intelligence on the planet is a constant; the population is growing.”
RoccoR´s last blog ..Income Tax Preparer- Free Useful Information For Tax Repairer