Strength in Presence, Part 2: Mind Matters
The human mind is one of the most amazing features of our species. Our ability to problem solve has largely enabled our survival.
When it comes to self-sufficiency in the wilderness, we have a lot working against us.
We don’t have fur to keep our bodies warm or dry in wintery or rainy conditions…
Or natural weapons – like claws or strong jaws – to hunt prey with…
Or adaptations like long necks, night vision, or gills to increase our chances of finding food in areas/during times that are difficult to navigate.
We don’t even have stomachs that can digest grass and other tough, readily available plant fibers.
With so many issues to face, humans need problem-solving skills to survive.
Luckily, we have something really powerful working for us in this world:
Our minds!
We use our brains to figure out how to stay warm, dry, and fed…
And, as a species, we’ve done a decent job of solving those problems.
With our basic needs met, our focus is free to land elsewhere…
And most of our achievements now go beyond survival.
Our civilizations have significantly impacted the world, and we continue to build far-reaching plans for future capabilities…
All by harnessing our most advantageous trait: our brains.
We use our minds to figure out new ways to live, new ways to grow, and new ways to ease our burdens…
And, more often than not, we succeed!
We don’t often need the fear our ancestors had of natural predators in the forest or field anymore. As a general rule, we’ve overcome the dangers they faced…
And with the power we’ve gained, we are learning that we have more going for us than it may seem.
Our minds helped our species to thrive…
But humans aren’t just minds.
Our bodies house our brains…
But our physical forms also carry deeper wisdom.
That inherent wisdom, along with our emotions/spirits and belief systems, helps inform our decisions…
And it is only when we seek to integrate all parts of ourselves that we make true progress.
Ingenuity Is More Than Efficiency
We are taught the value of human ingenuity and technological advancement…
But we don’t always think about the responsibility that comes with that knowledge and power.
In the name of efficiency and expansion, we often forego the “difficult” or “moral” questions that could slow us down…
But we run into trouble when we forget to take responsibility for our actions.
While efficiency is valuable and can save countless resources, our productivity is worthless without purpose and respect.
Thriving in life requires more than becoming as efficient as possible.
Thriving requires growth…
And true growth requires wisdom.
Some things can’t be rushed…
And those things have much to teach us.
We cannot change how long an individual plant takes to bear fruit…
Or how long a baby needs to develop fine motor skills…
Or how long a deep wound takes to heal.
All we can do is create an environment in which the desired result can occur…
Monitor the process…
Participate/intervene when necessary…
And employ patience.
All things that are to be will come to fruition in time.
Besides, learning from the process is part of how ingenuity develops!
If we don’t know what we are working with, we cannot hope to improve it…
And if we don’t see – and learn to anticipate – the impact our actions have, we cause more problems than we solve.
Only from a place of understanding can we create lasting, positive change…
And true understanding requires ‘listening’ with more than just our minds.
Understanding & Wisdom Requires the Whole Self
Our minds are amazing tools…
But thinking is only part of understanding!
We need more than our thoughts to thrive.
Our minds can convince us of anything.
We can talk ourselves in circles…
But when we finally pull the trigger on a decision, it has to be something that resonates with our beings to be what feels like a “right” decision.
Luckily, we have more than just our brains to guide us through our lives!
We are beings of body, mind, and emotion/spirit…
And it’s often when we approach our lives holistically – paying attention to all parts of ourselves – that we find the paths that lead to fulfillment.
When we listen with our whole selves, rather than just our minds, we are more likely to understand…
Because true understanding is a holistic experience.
When we understand something, we are much more likely to make grounded choices surrounding it…
Choices that lead to deeper understanding and connection…
And it’s from that place of deep understanding that wisdom can grow.
Wisdom is Integrated
Wisdom springs from true understanding.
Experience, respect, and wholeness all play a role in this elusive, sought-after ideal, too.
Wisdom is not knowledge, success, age, or material wealth.
It cannot be forced, rushed, or coerced…
It must grow freely.
Wisdom is the ultimate form of mindfulness.
It’s the product of listening…
And the outcome of grounded and informed actions.
Luckily, we can take grounded and informed actions as our wisdom grows…
Because we can learn from the wisdom and experience of others.
We regularly build on the ideas of those who have come before us to advance the knowledge of our species…
But we must not sweep aside the responsibilities associated with those ideas when seeking something “new and revolutionary.”
Our brilliant human minds have enabled our species to survive, built civilizations, and passed ideas from one generation to the next…
But we cannot forget that our actions have consequences.
Instead, acting with wisdom and taking responsibility for those actions will help us all grow…
And holistic growth is beautiful.
Find Freedom with Wholeness
At Freedom Foam, we think a lot about freedom.
We believe freedom of mind, body, and spirit is vital to finding fulfillment in life…
And we are here to help you discover that freedom!
When you feel free to grow, you are more likely to achieve your goals…
Whether you have goals for your spray foam contracting company…
(Need stellar spray foam materials? Call us for a free quote!)
Or goals for your personal growth!
(Take back your personal power! You’ve got a purpose to fulfill!)
Freedom is a mindset…
And you can embrace it most effectively by listening to your whole self – mind, body, and emotions/spirit!
Conclusion
Our minds are an integral part of being human!
Our big, beautiful brains help us survive….
And when we integrate our thoughts with the experience of our bodies and our emotions/spirits, we create the perfect environment for growth, understanding, and wisdom.
With growth, understanding, and wisdom, we thrive!
Who doesn’t want that!?
In the next post in this series, we will examine our emotion/spirit’s role in our human experience.
Until then, happy thinking!
