What's True?

We all know what is true, right? So how do we know it's true? Invariably the answer is because it came from my understanding. How did we get that understanding, or is it the only relevant truth, is less frequently asked.

Why is this even important to ponder?

Because if we don't, we are likely to live our current understanding and let it dictate our actions and view of the world without really seeing the world or ourselves absent that conditioned understanding. 

What if that understanding is wrong or unhelpful?

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so."  Mark Twain

We also only notice the things we expect to see. That expectation is not a conscious decision. It is one based on expectations or emotional weighting. How many red cars do we see after buying our much loved new red car? We colour what is there with desires and expectations and are on the lookout to avoid what we don't want.

The Talmud put it succinctly, "We don't see things the way they are; we see things the way we are." In other words, we are projecting our minds out, and that's what we see. 

If not seen, this way of operating limits us from all there is other than us.

So how do we step back and see ourselves, how we operate, if you will? Observing in this manner requires awareness of what we are thinking, feeling, and doing, acceptance of whatever is going on so we can let it go. Once released, we need the ability to direct our attention in a manner of our choosing. At this point, we are free from what we already "know" and open to all else that may be. Mindfulness practice develops such attention control.

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao Tzu