There’s a folder on my computer labeled “Mastery.” It contains the notes for a variety of things I want to learn – in most cases software programs. It’s a great term – mastery – it makes me feel like my intention is to own the information, develop the skill to use it, and be productive. All good things.
And I wondered where else I wanted to create mastery in my life.
Mastery means to understand
I’m still far away from truly understanding the spiritual principles that intrigue me – but I’m making progress. Not only do I want to understand them intellectually, but I also want to apply some of them to my life.
And that takes some figuring out. It takes self-awareness. It takes exploration. It takes practice.
Mastery means ability
“Understanding” alone isn’t enough. I need to have the skill to apply it. Sure, I can have a desire to let my life unfold, but I’ve been consciously practicing “unfolding” for many years and I’m better at it, but I’m not there yet. I haven’t yet mastered the ability to let my life unfold all the time.
Some things we’ll never “master.” Mindfulness will always take practice. Feeling part of Tao, the nowhere that we came from, will take time. Trusting and following our inner wisdom needs practice every day of our life.
Mastery is potential
For everything you learn to do, a myriad of doors open. For every idea you explore, zillions more emerge.
Yet it all begins with mastering just one step at a time. Explore one insight that resonates, take it deep inside, and figure out how to apply it.
The pursuit of mastery is ongoing. But the achievement of mastery, over even one small moment, is profound.
To Sing a Deeper Song consider:
Fitting In Is Not What You Do To Be Extraordinary
Is Everything you Know still True
Unfolding an the Wu Wei of Not-Forcing