Trapped in the Small Mind
I have a bit of a reputation for pondering. This is a practice I started several years ago where I simply allow my mind to drift over a question or concern and then pay attention to what pops up. Pondering allows me the time and energy to sift and sort through possibilities, conundrums, and consequences before committing to a course of action. (BTW, I generally allow naps to break in from time to time, as well. Pondering can be quite draining. ;<) )
I started intentionally pondering when I discovered that my mind had grown too small. The small mind mimics the binary processing of the computer program. It sees things like a computer; yes-no, either-or. Fr. Richard Rohr calls this Dualistic Thinking which is characteristic of the small mind. In popular usage, the small mind is characterized by rigid opinions and a narrow outlook or perspective. The small mind is all-or-nothing thinking, categorizing and controlling the process and the outcome. It consists of a vast array of assumptions that are like the walls of a long tube. They keep us from seeing anything other than other end, and only a limited piece of that.
The problem is that the small mind cannot deal with the new, the unknown, or the truly grand. It cannot embrace and be held captive by mystery. It seeks to resolve confusion, eliminate uncertainty, and make things simple. Being small-minded can be quite handy when we are trying to conquer new worlds, “build a better mousetrap,” or influence others to buy our product or vote for our candidate. The only real problem with the small mind is that it pretends to be true but can never live up to being truth. It is what Jon Stewart called “truthiness.”
The small mind can serve us well in the day-to-day world if we see it for what it is. When it comes to the larger concerns of value and meaning in our lives, it will always disappoint us. It cannot give us the satisfaction, joy, fulfillment, and love that we truly crave in our lives. It will leave us wanting more and more. It is like eating nothing but candy and suffering malnutrition as a result, and then believing that we are fine because our stomach is full. The small mind always promises us more than it can deliver and then hides the truth from us as we become even more enslaved to it.
If your mind has become too small, then I invite you to read on and discover the power of pondering (and naps.)
I started intentionally pondering when I discovered that my mind had grown too small. The small mind mimics the binary processing of the computer program. It sees things like a computer; yes-no, either-or. Fr. Richard Rohr calls this Dualistic Thinking which is characteristic of the small mind. In popular usage, the small mind is characterized by rigid opinions and a narrow outlook or perspective. The small mind is all-or-nothing thinking, categorizing and controlling the process and the outcome. It consists of a vast array of assumptions that are like the walls of a long tube. They keep us from seeing anything other than other end, and only a limited piece of that.
The problem is that the small mind cannot deal with the new, the unknown, or the truly grand. It cannot embrace and be held captive by mystery. It seeks to resolve confusion, eliminate uncertainty, and make things simple. Being small-minded can be quite handy when we are trying to conquer new worlds, “build a better mousetrap,” or influence others to buy our product or vote for our candidate. The only real problem with the small mind is that it pretends to be true but can never live up to being truth. It is what Jon Stewart called “truthiness.”
The small mind can serve us well in the day-to-day world if we see it for what it is. When it comes to the larger concerns of value and meaning in our lives, it will always disappoint us. It cannot give us the satisfaction, joy, fulfillment, and love that we truly crave in our lives. It will leave us wanting more and more. It is like eating nothing but candy and suffering malnutrition as a result, and then believing that we are fine because our stomach is full. The small mind always promises us more than it can deliver and then hides the truth from us as we become even more enslaved to it.
If your mind has become too small, then I invite you to read on and discover the power of pondering (and naps.)
Tip -- Pondering
When pondering, we are essentially laying aside the tube that limits us to dualisms. It begins by simply admitting that there may be more to a concern or question than we can know. It is a daring to see the world on a far grander scale than we ordinarily would.
First, identify a particular question or concern that has been occupying your mind for some time. Try and state it as simply and precisely as possible.
Then simply sit with it. Allow it to bubble around in your mind and soul with the following assumptions.
1. People and problems are more complicated than they seem.
2. There are always more choices than we can name.
3. Statements that begin with “Always” and “Never” are seldom true.
4. It is okay if I never resolve this.
5. I have all the time I need to ponder.
6. If I set it aside for a time, it will come back if it is truly important. If not, it was probably not all that important.
7. I can share my thoughts with my friends. I can seek their opinions. But this is my journey.
Naps are encouraged when the thoughts get locked in a repeating loop. Rest will bring a new perspective and renewed energy.
Lastly, how do we know when we are done pondering? We are likely never “done” but we can stop for a while when our mind and soul find agreement on the outcome. But we are always ready to begin again when the resolution breaks down and we are faced with a new opportunity to ponder.
Good pondering!
First, identify a particular question or concern that has been occupying your mind for some time. Try and state it as simply and precisely as possible.
Then simply sit with it. Allow it to bubble around in your mind and soul with the following assumptions.
1. People and problems are more complicated than they seem.
2. There are always more choices than we can name.
3. Statements that begin with “Always” and “Never” are seldom true.
4. It is okay if I never resolve this.
5. I have all the time I need to ponder.
6. If I set it aside for a time, it will come back if it is truly important. If not, it was probably not all that important.
7. I can share my thoughts with my friends. I can seek their opinions. But this is my journey.
Naps are encouraged when the thoughts get locked in a repeating loop. Rest will bring a new perspective and renewed energy.
Lastly, how do we know when we are done pondering? We are likely never “done” but we can stop for a while when our mind and soul find agreement on the outcome. But we are always ready to begin again when the resolution breaks down and we are faced with a new opportunity to ponder.
Good pondering!
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