Under the Cloud of Uncertainty

"When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life"

Eckhart Tolle

Uncertainty is like the planet Neptune.  In astrology, Neptune is known as the planet of inspiration because whenever Neptune plays a significant role in our lives (as all planets do at some time or another) we give ourselves permission to dream.  We may even envision a new and enticing reality.  But Neptune is also known as the planet of mist.  We can dream up new realities that may in fact be possible, but we have to be careful to avoid being deceived because our perceptions may be clouded by the haze.

Being in a state of uncertainty – about anything – can be frustrating!  From simple unknowns, for example, when the next bus will arrive  to life altering moments – I’ve been on three interviews, will I finally get a new position – uncertainty can cause anger, anxiety and a host of other issues that can have detrimental effects on our lives like insomnia or drinking one too many glasses of rum on one too many days of the week.  (I speak as an authority on the subject).  Uncertainty can be even more frustrating when the stakes are high - will I beat this illness that is consuming my life.  Not knowing how life will be affected, even when change is desired, can be nerve-wracking.

Fear. Of. The. Unknown.

Those on a quest for Universal Truths eventually discover that the frustration that accompanies uncertainty is actually caused by fear of the unknown.  Even if we desperately desire change we do not want to relinquish control to the unknown.  We want to be secure in the knowledge that we have power over how that change manifests.

But if we have done all that is in our power and have been mindful of the universal law of karma, all that remains is to wait, with faith that the universe will provide us with what we need in Divine Right Timing.  It is a challenge from the universe to exercise that which we have learned because it is during times of uncertainty that our true character is revealed. Uncertainty about the future requires that high ideal known as faith because we are confident in the fact that we have done right in the world.  

Says psychologist, Matt Walker,

"The most significant moments of our lives, the most important decisions and the most meaningful choices are characterized, in part, by uncertainty and by fear.  Being afraid is evidence that you are at the edge of your comfort zone, and pushing this edge is where growth and learning occurs." 

Embrace It

Tibetan Buddhist nun and spiritual teacher, Pema Chodron, explains that fear is the vanguard of courage and wisdom, and that humanity should become intimate with our fear if we are to learn from it and conquer it.  We should stare fear in the face by not giving in to the destructive tendencies that arise when we are afraid for our lives or our livelihood. 

Spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle, explains that if we do not judge present moments as undesirable because of unexpected occurrences or uncertainty, perhaps something fruitful can result.  If we do what we can to forward our case, then accept the present for what it is rather than being marred by frustration from fear - allowing ourselves to be free in each moment - we may discover creative alternatives to resolving the uncertainty of our situation. 

The answers we seek may even evolve from the problems we're experiencing but if our minds are absorbed by the problem we will not be able to see beyond to possibilities.  We have to know that we've done what is possible at that point in time and let go.  By letting go we will be open to new ideas.  We will have stared fear in the face.