You know how every now and then, you get an intutive nudge to do something that seems completely random? And then upon doing so, happen upon a paradigm shift? Personally, I think that's Grace happening to you. God in action. A grace that, by making the choice to listen to some subtle, but ever-present voice inside, allows us to transcend where we just were only moments ago. Life is like that. Turns out It's not always the practical, obvious choices we make out of our logic, but rather the seemingly tiniest thought-shifts. The baby steps we take in proactive faith, that finally shape our lives...from the inside out.
I haven't blogged in a long while...don't know why really, except that perhaps it seemed unimportant--serving no "practical" purpose in the midst of everything else that pulls human focus from one day to the next. Actually, from one MOMENT to the next. To their credit, logic and practicality allow us to deal with what we already know to do...technically-speaking. They show us how to work "better" within the light we already "see" in our current sphere of understanding--understanding of our lives, our relationships, ourselves. But it is only by intuition that we discover. This is how we broaden our focus...take a birds' eye view and look around at where we are in the "grand scheme" or whatever. It is also in this state that we're most unedited and able to hear God speak to us.
Whenever we are in logic mode, it seems so difficult to allow intuition to flow. Maybe it's because whilst in an intuitive state you are more vulnerable. The Heart is exposed and we can feel...well...littler. This can be a little unsettling for the average modern human. However, it is only when we stand inwardly alone and exposed while letting our hearts wander and wonder adventurously that we will discover most things that are worthwhile--be it joy, pain, realization, whatever.
Interestingly enough, even Dr. House teaches this to us. Somehow, despite all of his cynically-brilliant logic that we've come to adore, and by which he seeks to solve his cases..inevitably is it not intuitive revelation that ultimately wins the day?
Interesting insights from Mariana Cooper:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Intuition-vs-Logic---Can-I-Really-Trust-My-Gut?&id=965189
It's a comforting thought, however, to find that the greatest joy to be found while standing there "alone" and exposed, is that you are not really alone at all. And you never will be. :)
Hey Mrs. Jones! Thanks for fixing the posting thing... Well, I was inspired this morning to post a reply, probably due to the coffee intake - but it's later now, and I've moved on to water. I'll try to summarize what I had typed earlier:
ReplyDeleteI think part of the problem with finding that gut feeling / intuition is that we are masters of self-deception. We replace intuition with "do what feels right" - and that will most likely will lead to "do what feels good" and that rarely has anything to do with something that may feel "uncomfortable", much less a bit "painful". But we all know that often the right thing is not always the pleasant thing.
I believe that it all hinges on a very simple key, and that is Honesty. But, in order to be completely honest with ourselves, we have to arrive at a place where we'd actually ask the question, "Am I being completely honest with myself?" And getting to that point, will require at least a little Logic. :-)
... so there you go... but again, it was much better the first time.
-RyanTaylor
Hello Mr. Taylor!
ReplyDeleteYes, coffee does amazing things to one's sense of motivation. I can relate!
You are absolutely right about people being the masters of self-deception. Thank you for pointing that out. It is definitely a slippery slope. Intuition is definitely something that must be trained in His Light. Sometimes, it IA easy to mistake the "do what feels good" choice is the same thing as intuition, and certainly people can justify their actions under that false sense of security.
I like how you capitalized Honesty..denoting perhaps that it is a TRUE honesty..not our own. That can be hard to discern..and if we fail to discern, that can lead us to the same predicament you describe. I agree that the truth ain't always pretty and can be painful and unpleasant to face. I have personally experienced that. From my own limited experience, it is Intuition that is the still, small voice telling me the hard truths and quietly asking that I take a look at what it is really saying.
At the same time, I have also seen people use what is "logical" to rationalize themselves out of taking faith-steps that could set their feet on a path that is much closer to what He intended. There's a tension there, I think. Both Ways.
Maybe it is in that very tension, between our logic and the emotional self-deception that we mistake for intuition, that we find the Truth He so wants us to see.
Thank you for sharing such important insights. :D
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ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I have also seen people use what is "logical" to rationalize themselves out of taking faith-steps that could set their feet on a path that is much closer to what He intended. There's a tension there, I think. Both Ways.
Maybe it is in that very tension, between our logic and the emotional self-deception that we mistake for intuition, that we find the Truth He so wants us to see.
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Well said :-)