Treading the Unknown

As our minds are based on survival, we sometimes face fears of exploring the unknown. We come up with all the reasons why not to do something when treading the unknown. But what would happen if we explore the unknown with gentle curiosity?

Just because some paths in life are unknown does not mean that we have to leave it unexplored. We can dab into the unknown bit by bit, perhaps uncovering a new and interesting story. We can learn and grow by treading into the unknown.

The reason why it’s difficult to face the unknown is because there is some uncertainty behind it. So instead, we may settle for smaller paths to the unknown such as through buying a lotto ticket. But what if there were much bigger unknowns (with more “risks”) that unveil themselves? What if we could achieve a higher purpose by exploring with what we are not familiar with?

The major benefit of exploring the unknown is that we are sure to experience growth. We may encounter many failures. However, there is much to learn in the territory of what feels uncomfortable to us at first.

When we are babies, we are like sponges. We absorb everything that we can in order to determine the unknowns. And, we are fearless in a sense because we rely on our families and our environment. We learn at a rapid pace.

You want to be slightly cautious and careful when treading the path of the unknown. For example, when you thinking of investing in a business deal, you want to make sure that you learn all there is to that business. Make it a safe investment, given all the facts. Or, back out of the decision and explore another heart-centered business.

When you are developing a new skill, it can be a vulnerable experience for us to just start off. But, it can also be an enriching experience, quickly catching on to how that new skill works. It allows us to express ourselves in new ways.

You may want to explore a new travel destination. Maybe you’ve never been there before. Maybe you’ll encounter new connections with people. Maybe you’ll even consider moving there. But either way, it requires you to step out of your comfort zone and to explore the new with some excitement or curiosity.

You may even want to explore past paths that haven’t gone so well before. For example, I invested my time and money into building a PC. Well guess what happened to that PC? It’s still sitting on my desk, unusable. I went out and bought the right parts, but for some reason, it still does not function. I’ve neglected buying a new PC ever since. But guess what I’m doing as soon as I move? I’m researching different pre-built PCs this time as opposed to building it on my own. I’m still treading on the path of unknown, not sure what PC build I’m going to buy next. But, I am comparing different PCs to see which one I should ultimately buy.

You too might benefit from treading on past unknown paths. Sometimes, we suffer loss in different ways that hold us back from exploring life fully. But just as I’ve forgiven myself for spending money on the unusable PC, I’ve accepted the path of having it built for me with the latest tech specs. And you too, whether you’ve suffered from financial loss to a loss of the loved one, can benefit from gently exploring the unknown, making sure to learn from your experience along the way.

The unknown can be a scary place, but it does not have to be. Whether we tread the familiar over and over again or explore the unknown does not make a difference other than determining how much you will grow. Sometimes, it’s good to sink back down to what’s familiar. But other times, when life is stagnate, it may be time to explore the unfamiliar.

If you are fearful of many experiences (e.g. being social, going out for a walk, meeting new people, trying a new recipe, etc.), it may be time for you to examine your mindset. Figure out where the fear is coming from (usually rooted in childhood). Realize that there are other possible truths. Then, get back up again and start living life courageously, or even confidently. Make sure to take it easy which each step you take, and learn as you go. It does not have to be a race, but it can be a slowly guided experience. (;