Are you up for the challenge to learn something?

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” 

― Socrates

There seems to be a common perception in our culture that knowledge equals wisdom; however, I don’t believe this is true.

As Socrates eludes above - wisdom is what knowledge becomes when we have brought it into our hearts and experienced it as true. It is the action of considering something new and then tested that makes us more enlightened with the passing time. 

Wisdom requires awareness and a willingness to ask ourselves—and experience firsthand—what applies to each of us.

No matter our age, we've all had those moments and seasons when we've read some great work or heard some wonderful message and felt inspired. But that's not enough - just to feel inspiration.

In other words, wisdom comes from walking the walk, not just talking the talk. If you can take even one actionable thing away and put it immediately to use, you will begin to observe the fruit coming from what you've learned.

But that can also be a great challenge. As it always rocks your life boat a little...

You may know that you need to make a way to put new knowledge to work, but the actual implementation can be tedious. Scary even. The most sweeping revelations are never smoothly integrated into your life. But that's alright. Just commit to being open to the possibility first. That takes wisdom.

The wisdom of an openness of mind that has explored and experienced truth.  The wisdom that does not have set answers for everything but instead has a willingness to learn. The desire to try.

And that is an ageless quality of those who use every moment of their life to find that next thing to learn.

So if you are struggling with something in your life right now, consider this: There is no one correct answer. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be overwhelming at times, especially when you encounter the zealots (of which, I can be one) who swear that this (fill in the blank) is the solution.

The solution already exists inside of you. The answer will be revealed as you begin to experiment with the different ideas and discover what is right for you.

Wisdom requires being willing to learn what brings more harmony and integration, and what creates more conflict and division. Accepting the answer, and taking action.

Wisdom is a process. Sometimes a slow one, at times immediate.

Be open. Be challenged.

Cheers.