An astrologer recently reviewed my chart, marveled at some of the planetary comings and goings, and said, “You’re being taught to live with uncertainty.”
“That sounds about right,” I said. “But aren’t we all living with uncertainty all the time?” Pema Chodron is a very wise American Buddhist nun who lives in Nova Scotia. A few years ago I reviewed her book, “Comfortable With Uncertainty.” Here are some words that stood out: “A warrior accepts that we can never know what will happen to us next. We can try to control the uncontrollable by looking for security and predictability, always hoping to be comfortable and safe. But the truth is that we can never avoid uncertainty. This not-knowing is part of the adventure. It’s also what makes us afraid.” She completes this short discourse with, “If we find ourselves in doubt that we’re up to being a warrior-in-training, we can contemplate this question: "Do I prefer to grow up and relate to life directly, or do I choose to live and die in fear?’” Pema speaks of a warrior as a bodhisattva -- not one who kills but a “warrior of nonagression who hears the cries of the world.” The warrior’s sword of wisdom cuts through delusion. I also looked up Osho’s words on the subject: “Life is basically insecure. That’s its intrinsic quality; it cannot be changed. Death is secure, absolutely secure. The moment you choose security, unknowingly you have chosen death.” It follows that the moment you choose life, you choose uncertainty. Continuing on the subject of security, Osho adds, “The moment things are secure you will feel bored because there is no possibility of any exploration.” (“Theologia Mystica”) So no matter what the planets are up to, life is always moving from the known to the unknown. The crossing point from the known to the unknown is where uncertainty sets in. Looking to the positive, if we choose uncertainty and insecurity, at least we won’t be bored.
10 Comments
Dennis Cromwell
5/16/2017 06:23:01 pm
A beautiful article! It seems to me that even with uncertainty our world presents each of us with infinite possibilities that enable us to make the most of uncertainty.
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Steve Hudson
5/16/2017 06:31:14 pm
Thank you for bringing back the warrior's sword of wisdom cutting through delusion. Back from the Bushido training from years ago.
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5/16/2017 06:52:46 pm
Recently experienced serious heart attack & never knew it was coming. Never knew the uncertanty of life or death could be so intimate. A Vietnam Veteran & metaphysical adept that has spent 30 years in Atlantis ... and knows the value of peace ...
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Judith Crowley
5/16/2017 07:17:05 pm
I have learned so much from you over the years. I know that most of my friends and relatives are so tired of me always saying, "Dick Sutphen said this or Dick Sutphen said that." But one thing is for sure, after they listened to your tapes and C D's, they were saying the same thing to whom ever they were talking to. Thanks for all of the help that your wisdom has given me.
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5/16/2017 08:58:58 pm
Dick, my friend, you are one of the most perfectly grounded, life-changing star men I have ever known.
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D. Near
5/17/2017 04:40:51 am
I am currently trying to decide whether to retire on social security for my income after 40 years with a good reliable company. I have been afraid to take the leap and not be in control of getting my paycheck every 2 weeks. I have also been afraid of losing my company health care at a great price and paying much for Medicare. Everyone I know is retired and says I would be much less stressed as a retiree. Thank you for the helping me realize I am keeping my job (which I used to really like) out of fear, and not out of enjoying it anymore. I really need to take chance and get a life.
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How wonderful , embracing uncertainty I will order the book comfortable with uncertainty
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5/19/2017 06:52:50 am
Thanks, I met you about 30 years ago at a seminar.
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5/19/2017 12:01:21 pm
Thank you so very much for your lifelong commitment to expanding our spiritual awareness. You taught me (in a Phoenix workshop) to embrace the unknown some 40 years ago. I've spent the last 30 years as a spiritual educator teaching 75 classes per year on a wide variety of Spiritual Exploration topics. Your mentoring has brought so many "into the fold." My recent book, "LIGHTING YOUR SPIRITUAL PASSION", has roots of your teachings imbedded in each of the 22 chapters. Thank You, Dick!
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Reverend Joy Carroll McIver
5/21/2017 09:53:40 am
I recently became a certified hypnotherapist. While in class , I could hear your voice from you tapes saying"wide awake" . and other themes from the tapes. I have attended your workshops in Philadelphia a long time ago. would like to receive a list of your tapes and books. Thank you for your wisdom!
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