Today, I want to reflect on the importance of mindfulness, self-reflection, and the journey towards wisdom. In a certain movie, we heard the phrase, "keep your mind here and now, where it belongs." These are wise words, reminding us to stay present in the moment. However, there is also a time and place for looking inward, for introspection and self-examination. We commonly use meditation for this.
Meditation has been a fundamental practice for each of us. It is a means of quieting the mind, organizing our thoughts, and finding our own inner balance. There are various descriptions of meditation, but ultimately, its purpose is to help us work through the thoughts and concerns that occupy our minds and to connect with the Force. As Jedi, we make decisions every day, ranging from small to significant, and from time to time, we may stumble and make mistakes.
This is well known, failure is the best teacher as my old coach used to say.
So, when we mess up, do we realize it in the moment, can we? It is essential to recognize that failures and mistakes are our greatest teachers. Often, it takes time for us to acknowledge our errors, but being mindful enables us to recognize our missteps and consider alternative options. It is through this process that we grow in wisdom and learn from our experiences.
Now, you may wonder, why is self-reflection such a big deal? After all, making mistakes is part of the human condition. That is true, but as Jediists, we have access to a level of training that far exceeds what many individuals experience in their entire lives in terms of self-discipline and belief. We are not mere cookie-cutter characters; we have the capacity to acknowledge our fallibility. But what else can we do with this knowledge? How else can we serve? How else can we improve?
Knowledge is valuable, as it grants us familiarity and expertise. However, wisdom lies in knowing when to apply that knowledge and when to refrain from doing so. We have all encountered elders who have told us, "You will understand when you are older," and we have felt the frustration of not fully grasping their meaning. The answer lies in meditation. It is the most powerful tool we can develop—a profound conversation with the Force about who we are as individuals, how we act, what we have done, and how we can learn and gain wisdom from our experiences.
Now, I believe that gaining insight is a skill. Once that takes practice, no small amount of patience and a dose of bravery
Many think it is just knowledge, tempered by wisdom. Lets look further.
Knowledge is valuable, as it grants us familiarity and expertise. However, wisdom lies in knowing when to apply that knowledge and when to refrain from doing so. We have all encountered elders who have told us, "You will understand when you are older," and we have felt the frustration of not fully grasping their meaning. The answer lies in meditation. It is the most powerful tool we can develop—a profound conversation with the Force about who we are as individuals, how we act, what we have done, and how we can learn and gain wisdom from our experiences.
On my journey, I can look back and see so many mistakes.
It is easy to get lost in them.
Our development of insight, one of the many blessings of life, can see that big picture. I am certain many of you have felt the struggle, especially in the beginning. The massive weight of confronting what is in our minds, our hearts and filter it through.
This remains still our hardest lesson, and a lesson that is never over. So we will be aware that this journey towards wisdom is not an easy one. It requires tolerance of pain and discomfort, as well as a strong and unwavering will. We must keep in mind, my fellow Jedi, that we are young, and we will undoubtedly stumble and fall along the way. But remember, it is crucial to get back up and keep moving forward. Reach out to your fellow Jediists, to the clergy, and to those whom you consider wise. That is why we are here—to serve as touchstones in your journey, as waypoints to help you find your way.
For the history of our world we have many wise people, some old, some young, some who do not know they are wise and some who do not understand that they are wise.
Think of these people as companions separated by a wall. You can speak, but they can not carry the metaphorical load for you. They can tell you of when they carried a similar load.
Insight is key here. The advice they give and perspective they share is not necessarily going to make sense to you. Sometimes it will not be helpful, sometimes though, it will be exactly what you need.
You will have to choose
as it is always a choice
knowledge lets you know your choices, wisdom lets you narrow it down, insight lets you choose the best for your goals.
In the end, it is important to realize that no one can make you a better Jedi except yourself. It is through your own works that you will be remembered in the context of history, regardless of whether they are considered small or great. Embrace the power of self-reflection, meditation, and the pursuit of wisdom, for they are the keys that will unlock your true potential as Jedi and people.
