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Gazing into the HeavensBY: T. Franklin Murphy | July 2018
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The Awe of Nature
Books, conferences and education are wonderful; but deeper wisdom comes from grander sources.
Surrounded by the bountiful riches of the unknown, we absorb learning through openness. We enrich our lives from through curious observations of the unfolding universe, gaining deeper understanding of our human heritage, biological drives, and cultural influence. Our growing knowledge of complexity softens judgments and widens acceptance of what is rather than hopelessly clinging to what we wish it to be. Our flexibility and resilience loosen the binding cords of ignorance, exposing noxious expectations that push away from desired intentions, pulling in directions we prefer not to go.
Books, seminars and webs searches expand knowledge, illuminating some of the complexities; but we need more. We must escape the confines of written word and fuzziness of attractive intuitions. Where then can greater knowledge be found? Our biological construction is designed to learn from the environment, gathering fortunes from the surrounding world; success requires expanding our learning beyond the limits of language. Young children’s emotional lives are broadened through novel and stimulating environments. The stimulations impact the developing infant brain, the soul adjusts to the surrounding world; separate but intricately linked. The adult brain settles relying on established patterns but still malleable, adjusting to new exposures, creating new connections, and opening new frontiers. Like the child, we grow when open to stimulating environments.
We immerse in the grandness of experience when we walk along the beach, gaze into the skies, or observe a butterfly. The vastness and beauty of life teaches without a single word. Momentarily, we connect to something much larger than ourselves, problems fade, and unseen knowledge settles on our soul. Quietly, we gain wisdom. In these precious moments, we escape anxiety, the shame and sadness of social interactions, and simply bask in the wonder of being alive. 
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