June Theme: Wisdom (chosen by Lance)
Wisdom deepens with experience and knowledge.
I like to compare wisdom to a tree, the rungs vary in depth and color to reflect the seasons and years. As the years go by, the tree becomes stronger and deeply rooted in strength and fortitude. It can provide protection to the smaller trees to foster their growth.
During the month of June, I’ve seen and passed on nuggets of both experience and knowledge.
Experience
In June, I made headway understanding a few of the situations that make my MS flare. This experience has helped me understand what I need to avoid as well as what I need to do to be more comfortable sharing my body with Ms. MS. (Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t like sharing my life with her one bit!)
I also try to pass on or spread the RAOKA month’s topic to others, and in the area of experience, I spent time talking with my step-daughter about management—techniques I employed to lead and manage others when I was in her shoes. I suppose she appreciated it, but I strongly believe personal experience working through situations means much more than telling someone how to do things. For me, doing has usually been more effective than being told what to do.
Knowledge
Knowledge can come from personal experience or learning from others (e.g., books, classes, etc.). For example, I continue to read the scientific literature to stay up to date with current research. About passing knowledge on, I do this mostly through my blog or via email. In fact, in June I read a fascinating article in a scientific journal and wrote a post about it for my Your Body is a Fortress series. (Stay tuned, I’ll post it in a few days.)
All that said, what is wisdom, really?
Innate wisdom continues to fascinate me. Why do I instinctively run when I see a snake? Why do I instinctively NOT eat something that doesn’t smell quite right? Why do babies know not to breathe when born under water? Because, it’s instinct. We’re hard-wired to do these things, unless we actively learned otherwise.
Another aspect of wisdom glows with a magical light from people older than myself. I find this to be true all too often.
I love to learn things from people who are much older then me.
On the flip side, too many times I’ve been pleasantly stunned reading something by someone in their teens or twenties. (Alex of Unleash Reality and John of Hi Life 2 Be are two examples.)
One of my college professors once told me the main reason she continues to teach college is to help her stay connected to bright young minds. It makes her feel alive.
I can see that.
Collective Wisdom
Collective wisdom throughout the ages fascinates me. I won’t delve too deep into this topic in this post, but it’s interesting to me what we as a society decide to teach our youth in schools or homes. Or, how Native Americans taught their values and skills to their children and why. Or, why in current times, do some societies still maintain a vast divide between liberties based on gender? (Grrrr about that last one.)
These thoughts are much too deep to do justice in one blog post. But as the topic wisdom crossed the month of June, I delved deeply into these ideas more than usual. I hope you did, too.
Feel like commenting about what wisdom means to you? The elderly, youth, spiritual teachers, educators, personal experience, books, etc.: where do you find wisdom?
Stay tuned for next month’s theme: Trust (chosen by Gayze).
♦ May’s theme post: Serenity
♦ April’s theme post: Family
♦ March’s theme post: Laughter
♦ February’s theme post: Passion
♦ January’s theme post: Gratitude
♦ December’s theme post: Wacky!
♦ November’s theme post: Beauty
♦ October’s theme post: Kindness
The RAOKA mission seeks to remind us that Random Acts of Kick Arse happen all around us—and also to spread the spirit. Each month, one of us RAOKA groupies picks a new theme to focus our attention toward positivity and goodness in this world.
On the first Wednesday of each month (US time zone) we all post about what we’ve observed, passed along, or created.
The RAOKA base team is powered by Lance, Gayze, Zeenat, and yours truly—check out their Wisdom posts along with other crusader posts linked at the bottom of this post!
Lance at Jungle of Life
Gayze at Gazehound’s Animal Communication
Zeenat at Positive Provocations
I’ve officially adopted the RAOKA reins from her creator, Sami May, who is currently on blogging hiatus. Thank you for initiating RAOKA and providing the momentum, Sami!
Be Involved in RAOKA!
If you’d like to become a Random Acts of Kick Arse Crusader—here’s your chance:
- Follow along with our monthly themes and spread the random acts of kick arse!
- Write a post about you’re up to and publish it on the first Wednesday of each month if you are in the US (for other parts of the world, check out your corresponding day here). If you would like a reminder emailed to you each month or would like more information, please contact me. If you don’t have a blog, you’re welcome to play along in the comments.
- When you see my RAOKA post published, add your details in the form below including the URL address of your own RAOKA post and the title of your blog in the “Link Title” field. This will then automatically create a link to your post for others to see what kind of arse kicking you’ve been up to. See the following link as an example (link 1).
[RAOKA logo designed by Melissa at Operation Nice, montage of photos created by me using photos via Creative Commons license from the following: antonpinchuck, Wonderlane, Stig Nyhaard, and Vanessa Hutd ]
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Wisdom to me has always meant “The way that you use it.” Knowledge, or intelligence, is what you know, wisdom is what you do with it.
Sometimes I’m very wise. I even surprise myself with some of the things that I come up with. Other times, I’m not very wise at all. I make foolish mistakes and childish errors more often than I would like. I think the “experience” component that you spoke of is really key. The more experience I gain in certain areas, the better my choices become, and the more wise I seem. Gaining that experience can be difficult and painful sometimes, though, I wish there was a shortcut to wisdom, but I just don’t think there is.
Jay´s last blog ..On The Dark Side
Hi Jay,
That’s a great way to put it, “wisdom is what you do with it.” I see you’re being typical Jay and making sense of all this for us.
I know what you mean. Sometimes, I’m thinking, “Holy smokes, I said that?” when I read my journals. Other times, I think, “I can’t believe I said that! What a jerk!” It’s almost like there are two version of me. The wise sage and the dippy dorky one who doesn’t think before she talks.
Hey, if you find a shortcut to wisdom, can you please tell me where to find it?
(P.S. You rock.)
Hi Lori.
For me wisdom finally came when I allowed myself to learn from my experiences and was courageous enough to try out different things.
For years I acted predictably, now I dare to do things in other ways, I am gaining wisdom.
I do not know anything.
I am part of a bigger unknown plan and I will not always know all that will happen, hence trust.
I am responsible for my own life, (yikes).
Love is all we need.
And always keep breathing because as long as breath you are alright.
Much love, Wilma
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Are we lovable enough to attract love
Hi Wilma,
Being courageous to try new things is hard. Really hard. My hat’s off to you, lovely Wilma.
Interesting you mention trust, that happens to be July’s theme for RAOKA. I’m already wondering what will come forth from that post. I bet you have some great ideas for that one!
Love is all we need. Indeed. That really says it all, right?
Much love to you, too, Wilma. Keep up the great writing.
~xo
Lori,
Nice post! Wisdom comes with age and experience. After reading through this post especially about your professor made me think of that saying “The more you know, the more you don’t know.
Hi Justin,
(By the way, thanks for your sweet comment over Raul’s pad at Alien Ghost. I thought that quote was really funny, too!)
I like that saying too, the one you mentioned. I thought a lot recently about how many times I’ve set out to learn something and the more I learn, the more I realize I’m just opening Pandora’s box and I know NOTHING (e.g., science/molecular biology, writing novels, physiology, spirituality, etc.). Right?
Thanks for contributing your thoughts and you’re welcome back here any time if you want to hang out.
Hi Lori,
Very nice post. It;s deeply facinating to me how engaging a topic Wisdom is. When you stop to think on it, the mind goes down many avenues. I think that’s because Wisdom is multi-faceted. There’s not one easy defintion, but I do believe it is largely a coupling of intellect and life experience.
Wisdom cannot be obtained through any short-cut. In effect, it is a prize that is earned after much experimenting and adapting.
You’re right Lori, when it comes to Wisdom, one post can only touch the tip of the iceberg.
Great post Lori, it got me thinking! And that’s good!
Keith´s last blog ..Please Come and Read This-
Hi Keith,
Right back at you, great post! And, thanks for joining in the fun this month.
Hey, I really like how you phrased that, “…a prize that is learned after much experimenting and adapting.” The key word here for me was “adapting.”
That’s so true! Evolving and adapting is really at the root of our inner most genetic code and innate wisdom. After all, we wouldn’t be where we are if we hadn’t evolved to be walking around on two feet and making good use of our thumbs!
I think I could have written a whole year-long series on the concepts in this post. I feel that every sentence could be expanded into a whole book chapter! Did you feel that, too?
Hey, Keith, thanks for joining the RAOKA spirit. It’s great to have you along for the ride.
~xo
Wow Lori, gotta show this post to my wife. She’ll take any excuse to kick arse, especially if it means she’s ultimately doing good! RAOKA would go fabulously on a t-shirt!
As for wisdom… well, that’s an interesting one. I guess you could say that there are various schools of thought on that. Take these examples…
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius
“In examinations, the foolish ask questions the wise cannot answer.” – Oscar Wilde
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” – Psalm 111:10
And then there’s this one from my favourite cartoonist ever…
“Sometimes I lie awake at night, and ask, ‘Where have I gone wrong?’ Then a voice says to me, ‘This is going to take more than one night.’” – Charles M. Schulz
Maybe they’re all just pointing in the right direction? Food for thought there.
Hi Tony,
OK, not only are you my new favorite comic artist, but you are also a beacon of wisdom. I’m loving the quotes you listed in your comment.
That’s awesome Cassy will take a peek at this, and funny about the T-shirt. The angel who originally created the RAOKA logo is no longer one of the original crusaders (with me, Lance, Gayze, and Zeenat) or posting for RAOKA, but she’s really cool. I was thinking of redesigning the logo — but decided not to do that for now.
Anyhoo, I must admit that my favorite of the quotes you listed is the C.M. Schultz quote. It’s so on the money. I love it!
I think you’re right, though, I think they are all pointing us closer to wisdom.
Tony, you left us with such a wonderful and thoughtful comment. I appreciate you.
Hi Lori
I love this RAOKA idea and this wisdom post is beautiful.
I especially agree with the collective wisdom portion.
You said:
“…we as a society decide to teach our youth in schools or homes. Or, how Native Americans taught their values and skills to their children and why. Or, why in current times, do some societies still maintain a vast divide between liberties based on gender?”
This is relative to wisdom because it took YOUR wisdom for you to be able to point these ideas/issues out. Without a proper knowledge-base or through experiences, you would be blind to the fact.
I salute you for this conscious post.
Take care!
Ali
S. Ali Myers – Soulful Body & Mind´s last blog ..Alkaline Foods List- How to Eat to Help Cure Most Diseases
Hi Ali,
(Hey, great RAOKA post over at your blog! Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts on wisdom with us.)
Thanks for your kindness, too. I feel you are such a gentle, kind guy as I read your post and your comment here. I wish I could meet you in person.
Again, I appreciate what you said in your comment. I salute you right back — or in other words: ~namaste~
~xo
It wasn’t until I sat down to write this post that I really knew what I would write… There is so much depth to Wisdom that it is far more a concept than something easily defined. It comes in so many forms and from so many direction but what strikes me is that it is often found where we least expect it and in something simple and plain over in the most challenging or complex situation or form. You have a lovely post with some wonderful thoughts. There are gems of wisdom to be considered in your words.
Thank you for sharing this and for hosting RAOKA!!
The Exception´s last blog ..July
Hi M,
I know what you mean about the process you went though to write your post. The same thing happened to me. I was all set to write about something else and I changed my mind last minute. And, voila (!) out this post came from nowhere.
I like that you mentioned wisdom often coming from where we least expect it. I hadn’t thought about it that way before, but you’re spot on (and WISE).
Thanks again for posting about RAOKA today, I love your post and feel honored to have your presence for this RAOKA month (as with all the others). Thank you! Also, thanks for your kind words about me hosting the RAOKA movement. Now that Sami has decided to let go of the reins I was super happy to take them over for her. I enjoy RAOKA very much and send her magical wishes that what she started will touch all those involved in an exceptional way.
~xo
Lori:
Very nice post…I really enjoyed your thoughts here – especially your comparison of wisdom to a tree and how the tree strengthens as it gets older. I would absolutely agree with that. You are right, this topic is deep. But as you showed in your photo, wisdom can come from a lot of sources. I feel that we need to really be open to wisdom in order to become wise. Really everything can be a learning experience…but if you’re like me, you make some mistakes over and over again. Kudos to you for a great post and for Lance for a great, deep topic!
Tim´s last blog ..RAOKA- Thoughts on Wisdom
Hi Tim,
Hey, great post over at 360 Degree Self! I forgot to mention this in my comment, but the image is really great.
Thanks for liking my tree metaphor; I think it really summed up my thoughts about wisdom. Maybe I should have made my post more succinct by stopping with that thought?
I always enjoy your comments (and posts) Tim. Thanks very much for taking time out of your busy days to join the fun and make my (and many other’s) day brighter.
I agree, Lance picked an awesome topic. Maybe he just looked in the mirror? Ya’ think?
YOU RAOKA!
Lori, what a wonderful post. I personally love learning from the experiences of others. Experience breeds wisdom I think largely due to the fact that experience means you’ve made a certain amount of mistakes and learned their lessons.
If you can learn from your own mistakes, that’s good. If you can learn from other’s mistakes, that’s great!
Joshua Noerr´s last blog ..Why Your Failures Make You Awesome-
Hi Joshua,
Awww, thanks for your kind words. Especially coming from an excellent writer like you.
Your comment is perfect timing with your most recent post. I really enjoyed it. You’ve turned your so-called failures to gems in your treasure chest. How awesome is that?
(Pretty awesome.)
I’m with you when it comes to experience. I think your last two lines should become carved in stone. Look at you — the voice of wisdom.
Thanks for you awesome comments and great work over at your site.
To me, the only true wisdom is internal. It can come from first hand experiences or from observations or from the insights of others, but it does not become “wisdom” for you until it is felt by your own heart and known by your own mind. It does not have any truth until it has truth for you.
Hi Debbie,
Your comment has such softness and wisdom wrapped within in it. What a great way to think about wisdom.
It’s interesting to me that I thought about and wrote this post with ideas about what wisdom means to me, but the more I read comments from wise souls like yourself, the more it reminds me that I blog to learn and not to teach.
Thanks for being here, Debbie. I think you’re awesome, soul sister.
~xo
Hi Lori,
What a wonderful topic for the month. I don’t proclaim to know much about wisdom, but what has resonated most for me is Carol Pearson’s description of the Sage archetype in “Awakening the Heroes Within.” I studied a little with Carol and find her to be tremendously wise, so I think she’s on to something.
The Sage is the part of us that seeks truth, knowledge, and wisdom. At some point in the search we begin to see that knowledge and truth are relative and complex, not as simple as we tend to think earlier in life. And eventually we accept that there is nothing we can ever really know for certain. With that we begin to detach, but the gift of detachment turns out to be the understanding of ultimate truths and wisdom. But we can’t get there until we realize we don’t really know anything at all!
I love the paradox of that, and often find myself saying the older I get the less I know. Of course, as you say, older people aren’t the only ones with a passport to wisdom, and I’ve met many people who are wise beyond their years. That’s always a delight!
Thanks for the great post, my friend. xo
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..Meaning Mondays- Lazy
Hi Patty,
I’m so glad you had time to stop by, you’re one of those people I consider to be wise beyond her years.
I loved what you shared regarding what you learned about The Sage. I could read it a dozen times and still be enraptured by what you said. I LOVE IT!!
I agree, I’m always delighted to learn from others, and I’m starting to realize that’s why I love blogging so much. I’m glad you’re in that world, too, Patty, and that we’ve had the chance to get to know each other a little better.
{hug}
HI Lori Luv,
See I made it in time(ok 2 days late) for raoka..yippee!
I am all settled in my new home..and just published the raoka post.
This months topic is so beautiful…really. That lance Man sure has some great brainy ideas
As for me..i agree with Jay on this. Wisdom is literally what you do with it. What you learn from every experience and every person you come across….that adds to your wisdom treasure. Dont you think…??
I missed you…
Much love,
Z~
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Aiming-Striving for Wisdom
Hi Zeenat,
Hey, welcome back — er, uh, welcome to your new home!! Hey, you know me, I’m all about chillax blogging and when it’s good, it’s good. Thanks so much for posting about RAKOA, I’m looking forward to reading your post (my next stop).
I agree with you, Zeeenat (as usual)– great comment. I missed you too, lovely.
*smooch*
Hi Lori,
It is widely accepted that wisdom comes with the years, but personally I believe is more an attitude that the accumulation of years, knowledge or experiences.
There are so many people out there that have lots of years, lots of experiences and/or lots of knowledge and still have stupid opinions or make not to smart decisions (I might be one of them but I’m just a kid!
)
Seriously though, the attitude towards things and situations is what makes the biggest difference compared with knowledge and experience.
Raul
Alien Ghost´s last blog ..Men Don’t Cry-
Hi Raul,
It’s always a pleasure seeing you here when you can carve out the time. (BTW: I think you should seriously consider starting your SUMCM club.)
Attitude certainly shapes our worlds in every way. That’s a good point. One can be chock full of knowledge and experiences, but it might not matter if the attitude needs ‘adjusting’. Agreed!
Have a great day!
I really enjoyed reading your take on this topic, and I love that all of the RAOKA posts have taken a slightly different approach – so much to learn from reading them all. Thanks for welcoming me to RAOKA, and for sharing your wisdom in your post.
Topi
Topi´s last blog ..Wisdom
Hi Topi,
Hey, great post over at your blog.
And, for the record, no worries about not linking JBN to it. I’m very chillax about this. Fly! Be free! Link whomever you want, and use the RAOKA logo if you want, too (just attribute the logo to Melissa with a link in that case). So happy to have you aboard.
As I’ve mentioned in comments above, it really hit me this time the wealth of information I learn with each post from others. I agree with your comment, Topi. Blogging is such a rich experience for me — a creative outlet and steeping in everyone’s stories — I enjoy it very much. I hope you’re having fun blogging, too, lovely!
Lori,
I believe wisdom has always been a gift and maybe I was born with it or maybe because of my difficulties beginning in my family of origin. I do know I’ve always wanted to learn, learn, learn all I could from my experiences and from others. I’ve been accused of asking to many questions. I can’t help it.
I think wisdom is what has allowed me to be professionally successful and personally.
I’ve always had both older and younger friends and find both a gift.
I hate repeating mistakes. I love your analogy of the tree…awesome. Thanks for being so wise yourself;)
Tess Bold Life´s last blog ..A Brand New World…Create It-
Hi Tess,
You know what? I AGREE! I AGREE! I AGREE! Pushing through all the situations you’ve conquered has bestowed a wealth of wisdom upon you. And, what I think is beautiful is that you have shared your experiences with many, many others through your blog, public speaking, therapy, your book, etc.
In my view, it’s one thing to be wise, it’s another to do your best to pass along what you’ve learned. You are remarkable, Tess. I’m so lucky to know you and to have been touched by your branches.
Let’s be the best tree’s we can be, right?
Lori: Great post and topic. I am a fan of wisdom as well and love hearing the wise thoughts and insights from other people. It seems to me that wisdom comes from being able to connect with that inner side and then finding the words to express the guidance and lessons that flow from it. It really is fascinating to see other people who are able to do this so well.
Sibyl-alternaview´s last blog ..How To Ensure That You Get Out of Life Everything You Want
Hi Sibyl,
Well said! I agree. Every now and then, I hear something on the radio or read something and think, Oh my, that’s so amazing. And I love when I comes from the least likely of places — for example, a child.
Enjoy your day!
Thanks for hosting RAOKA. Everyone has such great thoughts on Wisdom, it’s fun to read such a wide variety of ideas. I look forward to next month!
Eric | Eden Journal´s last blog ..There’s a Turd in my Nest
Hi Eric,
Hey, I really liked the wisdom of your bees. Right on!
Yeah, it is very fun — and it wouldn’t happen without you, Eric. I’ve been very happy that you’ve chosen to participate. I enjoy your posts very much. I’m looking forward to next month, too. See you then!
Hi Lori .. great post – and so sensible .. being wise is being sensible to a point isn’t it?
I loved the Native American Indian reference as Davina at ShadesofCrimson .. her Medicine Wheel (Living the Life Wheel) post has a wonderful reference re wisdom .. exactly what you’re talking about .. I hope you can pop over and read … comment 30 – Jim relays a wonderful experience he was able to be a part of – wisdom was to the fore ..
It’s is interesting how .. posts seem to link across .. and thoughts meld in ..
Have a great weekend .. and I love your verve and learning for life .. good wisdom examples .. we all need to learn all the time .. and young and old point us to different or the same things ….
With thoughts and a hug – Hilary
Hilary´s last blog ..Hotspur- the Duchess and The Poison Garden
Hi Hilary,
Thanks for the note about Davina and about the comment (30) — blogging is so much fun because we all get to hear versions of topics with a variety of voices/writers. FUN!
I hope the sun is continuing to shine brightly over you — we could use some of that here. It’s been very overcast this summer thus far. But, the UV is still good!
Hugs to you!
Lori,
As I read this today, I’m connecting very much with this idea of young minds. And – for me – the fresh perspective that can put on everything. And I see real beauty when the wisdom of age and experience crosses with the wisdom of youth and new ideas – what a great thing when this happens and what very amazing things can come from this.
And it all, at least for me, feels like it’s hinged upon our being open to all of this (new ideas, wisdom of elders, etc)….
Lance´s last blog ..My Hope For You
Hi Lance,
I watched a rented movie last night where a 40-something was talking to a group of 20-somethings. He was basically saying the same thing (it was pretty cool). At the end of his speech, he joked and said something like, “And I hope one of you aren’t interviewing me for my next potential employment opportunity.”
(laughter ensued)
I like how you encapsulated all this with your final sentence. Yes, it’s so important to be open-minded about all of this. And, Lance, that’s something which defines you in my mind — being open to possibilities. YOU, my friend, are WISE.