What is Evolution?

“We began as a mineral.
We emerged into plant life, and into the animal state, and then into being human, and always we have forgotten our former states, except in early spring when we slightly recall being green again.
That’s how a young person turns towards a teacher.
That’s how a baby leans toward the breast, without knowing the secret of its desire, yet turning instinctively.
Humankind is being led along an evolving course, through the migration of intelligences, and though we seem to be sleeping, there is an inner wakefulness that directs the dream, and that will eventually startle us back to the truth of who we are.”
— The Story of Evolution
— Rumi, 13th Century

6.07.2010

Understanding

When I came to Japan, almost 3 years ago, I was significantly lacking in understanding. 90% of my day was spent either misunderstanding or exclaiming "I don't understand" [ wakarimasen in Japanese]. People would constantly attempt to engage me in conversation with words I could not understand. My dictionary was like my bible and even then it only helped to ascertain the meaning of certain words and not the context in which they were being said. It would take almost 2 years of individual study as well as a tutor and a few summer intensive courses for me to feel comfortable and confident enough to engage a Japanese person in conversation sans dictionary and constant awkward pauses.

This moment of understanding, albeit limited, is one I have been yearning for since my arrival. To finally be able to understand what people are saying around me and what the announcements were in the stores and on the train. Now, I feel good about myself. Proud even.

But sometimes, just sometimes, not understanding shit can work to your benefit. For example with the NHK guy, Jehovah's Witnesses and of course (something I've recently tested and proven) the police [don't ask.]

I suppose what I've come to realise is that sometimes Ignorance can truly cause Bliss. And knowing while not knowing can at times be an asset to save you from additional expense.

iNi

can understand.

NadYa Dee
Penned by on

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Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."