Tuning into wisdom

I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes. Wisdom is all around me, and so the connection grows. OK, Wet Wet Wet didn't quite sing those words but, nonetheless, the act of tuning into wisdom is an active one. By that I mean we have to place ourselves into a space where wisdom can flow to, through and from us.

Whenever I am in the Vicar's Hall at Windsor Castle, I pinch myself. It is deeply humbling to be a Leadership Fellow; to inhabit that space, to have the time to discern, and to connect with other leaders from across the breadth and depth of society. I do indeed pinch myself.

We live in difficult times, perhaps even unprecedented times. An unprovoked war raging on our doorstep, energy supply at risk, cost of living increasing, recovering from a pandemic, trust in Government at the lowest of modern times, and our climate rapidly changing as a consequence of our stewardship. Never was a better time for wisdom to flow.

There were two sessions in the retreat which tuned my radio into Wisdom FM. The first was considering Person, Purpose and Position and allowing each to speak in their own voice. The second was considering the seasons of life ahead in terms of things needing to be seeded and nurtured, allowed to grow wild, supported to die (with honour) and endured in the darkness. Encouraged by conversations with others, held gently by those facilitating us and inspired by the space; a clarity came to me. As if at the optician and a new lens was inserted into the test-specs (are they called that?). Better with or without? Can you have a go at the last line?

Wisdom can be found in the echos of the past, the pleas of the present or the foreshadow of the future. All are available to us if we open ourselves to it. Though different for everyone, this is some of my personal learning:

• Be present using a technique which works for you. A walk in the garden, a meditation, perhaps some relaxing music, or just the quiet silence. Either way, be here. Be now. Don't just do something, stand there.
• Put the mind in standby for a while. We are problem solvers and the analytical brain loves a problem. As such we can begin analysis and solving too quickly rather than listening. Just listen to your heart, to your gut and to the words around you. Just listen.
• Connect with those around you. Social creatures need socialisation. Find and nurture those connections with genuine authenticity, openness and trust. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and be a support to hold those around you who are vulnerable.
• Don't be afraid to be fun and play. As adults we can forget the simple joy of play. Whether it be uncontrollable giggling (sorry to those who experience this from me), a hearty sing song (I repeat that apology) or a game - just allow yourself that moment of creativity, of fun and of connection to that inner child. Putting yourself into a creative state can bring revealing ideas and conclusions. Embrace them!
• When you're tuned in, capture that flow. Sometimes it comes as a moment of realisation as if a lightbulb suddenly lit. Other times it will build gradually as if climbing a hill and reaching the peak. Either way, capture them. Add them to the jigsaw and then take a step back and look. You'll be surprised at what you now see. Be sure to share it - the remaining pieces may have already been found and you may be holding pieces others are seeking.
• Maintain your balance. What is enough? What is too much? What is too little? Any one of these can cause fear to rise. But we must remember that Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real (Thanks Clare!). Step into it and own it. Be humble with it. Ultimately, we all must go through the storm with the faith of emerging at the other side.

That's all fine Darren, but what did it really do for you? It revealed where I need to reposition from a place of disappointment and hurt into that of love and grace (better without than with). It revealed that my calling in faith need not be mutually exclusive from my role though there are adjustments to make (better with than without). It revealed that the calm and peace found a year ago being united with purpose and joy are an infectious and incorruptible combination (I can see the last line of the chart).

Perhaps the one that came to me the most was that of connection. When Frodo Baggins realised the danger to his beloved and beautiful Shire, he bravely stepped out on his journey to the darker and more perilous Mordor. He didn't do this alone, he was in a fellowship. This crucially included one who did not consider himself filled with courage and yet was indeed the most courageous. Each of those in the fellowship may not have gotten far alone and yet each of their talents, their experience and their connections with each other meant they were able to overcome the challenge.

Perhaps there is wisdom for all of us to find there.......