LEARNING LIFE'S LESSONS

Learning is something everyone does whether or not they consciously set out to learn. Our brains are always looking for new information.  No matter how much you may learn, however, you'll never know everything there is to know--and it is certainly not a good idea to think that you have!

There are basically two types of knowledge:  (1) knowledge of facts and skills and (2) something called "wisdom."  All learning of facts and skills is done in three ways or a combination of these ways.  There is auditory learning that takes place when you hear something.  There is visual learning that takes place when you see something or read something.  The third and most permanent form of learning is when you do something or experience something through actually touching or manipulating things in your environment.

Wisdom is achieved internally or spiritually.  You might learn that a knife is sharp.  You can learn this fact by hearing about it, seeing it demonstrated, or by actually cutting yourself.  You still do not have wisdom until you begin to behave in a cautious manner when handling a knife.

Factual learning can be achieved by formal learning or by experience.  Formal learning is important; but it is not the method by which you will learn most or best.  Life is a lesson.  What other purpose do you suppose living has?  If you accept that there is a Supreme Being or consciousness behind all reality, then what is the point of this life?  Gaining Wisdom and understanding is the purpose.  Those who do not grasp this are doomed to a very frustrating and unhappy existence.  They spend all their energy attempting to gratify their appetites and desires. Life's lessons can be very painful; but they can also be quite pleasurable.  Wisdom is gained when your behavior is modified in such a way that you are a blessing to yourself and to others.

You can wait until you experience pain or other traumatic experiences; or you can take a shortcut to wisdom.  I believe the central teaching of Jesus was lost to mis-interpretation by later church organizers who were more concerned with obtaining personal power over others.  His central teaching was that each of us has the ability to obtain wisdom directly from something He called "the Holy Spirit."  Each of us can tune out the "babble" that goes on inside our heads and become silent "...and know that I Am God."  I cannot teach you how to do this; but is worth striving to do it, because the vast knowledge and wisdom is out there and available to you for the asking.  Many people call this "intuition" or "inspiration."  My point to all of you is that this is real, so don't scoff or turn your back on the possibility.  "Seek and ye shall find."