Ep.21 - Opening To Doubt
Have you ever wondered, “Would I be any good at that?” “Is that for me?” or have you doubted yourself? Your worthiness, ability or goodness? At one time or another we have all doubted. Doubted ourselves. Doubted our abilities and our intrinsic goodness and worthiness. We mistrust who we are because we have mistaken beliefs about who we are and what we can do. We have doubted what other people do or say. We have also at one time or another, become captive to doubt, letting it turn into belief about ourselves and others.
Doubt can either close us down into something smaller than who we are and able to do or it can open us up by arousing our curiosity and our willingness to take a chance at something new or unknown. Closed doubt is like the wagging finger—you can’t do that; who do you think you are, anyway? Open doubt feels like there is space to move around and it moves us to be curious; investigate, open to the possibilities, see new perspectives and learn new ways of being and doing.
When we doubt the truth about something, we can open our curiosity and investigate, “What is this really all about.” When we are mindful we are aware of what is present right now; this doesn’t mean that we believe it. It simply means that we recognize and acknowledge it without judging it. The experience of someone saying something about something is not our direct experience of the something itself; it is only direct experience of someone saying something. Doubt is always welcome.
When doubt arises, welcome it. Ask, “Am I open to exploring this?” If yes, then welcome doubt as the harbinger of possibilities. Dip your toes into the possibilities and feel how it feels. If it feels right, carry on, if it doesn’t step back and change perspective, take another tack, explore another avenue. This is beginners’ mind at work.
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As always, I am grateful to you, my audience, and I am also grateful for the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.
Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design;
Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;
Bill Rafferty for technical web support; and
Margaret Haas for announcing the show.
Be well. Be mindful.
RESOURCES/CREDITS
Krista Tippett, Becoming Wise Deluxe: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living, Penguin Press, 2016. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7639044-i-can-disagree-with-your-opinion-it-turns-out-but Accessed July 12, 2022
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The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.
Thank you for listening!
Be well. Be mindful.