I read this quote earlier in the month and wrote it down in my calendar because it spoke to me. I ran across it again and meditated on it. I realized that it is saying the same thing as Dr. Miller in The Awakened Brain. To perceive reality correctly that is fulfilling we have to use both awareness modes we are given.
One is our “achieving awareness” this is also known as our intellect. In Dr. Miller’s words, “Achieving awareness is necessary. It helps us move and chase the ball up and down the field.” It’s what makes logical sense to us. The commitment we need to make goals and how to get the goals. Study for an exam, complete a project, get somewhere on time. It’s our focus drive. “But when overused, or exclusively used, achieving awareness overrides and changes the structure of our brains, carving pathways of depression, anxiety, stress, and craving. When out of balance, achieving awareness is narrowly focused, unguided by the bigger picture, obsessed with the same track or idea, never satisfied, and often lonely and isolated.”
It’s why we need and have the second awareness called “awakened awareness” or instinct. In Dr. Miller’s words, “In awakened awareness, we don’t lose or forsake our goals. But we take off the blinders. We surrender our tight grip on a goal. We understand that life is a dynamic force that we can attune to and interact with. It’s no longer me against the world, or me treading upon the world, but me hearing what life has to say, aware that life is meeting me where I am. I still have wishes and desires and goals, I still experience disappointment and hurt—but I lean into the flow of life, paying attention to where doors open and close.” Now in T.D. Jakes words, “When you’re living by instinct, then you will naturally enhance everything and everyone around you. In other words, success will come naturally! When both your intellect and instincts are aligned, then producing the fruits of your labors brings satisfaction beyond measure.”
Who would have ever thought a preacher from West Virginia and a clinical scientist at Columbia University could be on the same page. I believe it’s because they know the secret to success and living a fulfilling life. If only I had been taught this in school. If only my son and you and your children learned it. It’s been there the whole time. It’s why Noah built the ark. It’s never too late to start all over. Thankful that I learned something new.
Dealing to Healing 