Sometimes we come to realize something we have been taught isn’t completely accurate. Maybe it was distorted by cultural, religious or generational beliefs. Maybe the person who taught us wasn’t properly taught themselves.
Did you ever think about the fact that most of our understanding was taught to us by someone else. When we were learning to speak others taught us what to say, the names of people and objects, and how to act (probably the same way others taught them). We started school and others taught us how to use our brain and how to act (probably the same way others had taught them). We went out into the workforce and others taught us what to think, what to do, how to act (probably the same way others taught them).
Most of the interpreting our mind does is based on what others have taught us. We seldom have a truly original idea of our own. We look at our future filtered by our past teaching and experiences and seldom give ourselves space to quiet our frantic chattering mind and look with fresh new insight.
As I grow older I realize I see nothing as it really is, I see it the way others taught me to see it. This can be overwhelming to my soul.
A practice of prayer and meditation help clear or clarify the decades of others understanding we have been taught with. As we ask for Divine guidance, setting aside our initial programmed reactions to the thoughts that come up and allowing ourselves to hear the ancient wisdom within, we are able to determine what we think and not just what others have taught us to think.
You’re never too old to start thinking for yourself. 💕
E.A. Fussell
06.16.2023
E. A. Fussell 