Certainty

Why it is a bad idea-

Have you ever noticed when you think you have it all figured out that life has a way of knocking you on your ass? Whenever we get cocky, experience says, “Hey you, you ain’t shit!”

We all need to feel right, and that need often overshadows the accuracy of actually being correct. Have you ever argued a point, knowing you were bullshitting to save face?

Certainty gives us the feeling of confidence, but one thing I have learned for sure is whenever I am very confident, I will be proved wrong (I say this with certainty).

It has gotten to the point when anyone is getting cocky and acting very certain; I chuckle on the inside because they will get kicked in the face.

Why is being right or feeling right so important? I believe it is a coping mechanism; it creates a calm in the surrounding of the unknown. There is a difference between confidence and being a “know it all.” Confidence is believing in your abilities, regardless of the outcome. A know it all is ego-driven to the point of being cocky, assuming they already have all the information needed and understand how it will play out. You know the old saying that the only thing in life that is certain is death and taxes.

Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd. ~Unknown

A certainty is a form of arrogance and stubbornness. Why not come into a situation a blank slate and see what there is to learn? Is it not better to assume we have nothing to contribute and listen to? When we become active listeners, that is when we will truly understand. I think it is better to assume that we don’t have the answers and see what information presents itself.

To teach how to live without certainty and yet without being paralyzed by hesitation is perhaps the chief thing that philosophy, in our age, can do for those who study it. ~Bertrand Russell

I believe this is why meditation is so helpful; we sit in silence; our mouths shut, and allow our mind to wander and ponder. Our mind doesn’t give us answers; it steers us in a general direction. Meditation is not ego-driven or certainty-driven; it is driven by a state of calm and open-mindedness. Certainty does not allow for an open mind; it is not even result-driven; it is set in stone.

Certainty doesn’t allow us to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. In this day of age, life is fluid and ever-changing. Living through a pandemic helps us get comfortable with being uncomfortable, which will help us all long after the pandemic has subsided.

The lesson here is if you feel certain about anything right now, I suggest you re-evaluate whatever you are so certain of; and perhaps take some time to reflect and meditate to find some real gems for your next path.