by CSW Director Rob Field
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever else you get, get insight.
Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
Proverbs 4:7-8
Outwardly, two recent experiences could not have been more different. Inwardly, however, both affirmed the same insight: that wisdom is available to us wherever we happen to be, no matter the circumstance.
The first of my recent experiences was co-leading the Center’s Wisdom of World Religions series, an annual offering. The series focuses on the wisdom embedded in the great religious and spiritual traditions of the world. We explore Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Sikhism (most of our participants are already familiar with Christianity, another great “wisdom tradition”). Although we’re only able to scratch the surface of these rich and time-honored lineages, I always take away from the series an inner recognition that wisdom is ever present, waiting to “honor” and “exalt” us with her multi-faceted gifts.
My second recent experience was sitting around a fire circle in Pisgah National Forest for several evenings. We were a small group of men seeking a break from our busy lives. I felt honored to be included in the group — even though I commuted to and from the forest while the others stayed overnight for several days.
In the cool air of these late September evenings, some kind of magic seemed to be at work. The warmth of the fire, the willingness to discuss “matters of the soul,” and the easy camraderie of old and new acquaintances joined forces to help me hear the wisdom flowing from these fellow seekers. One of them wrote in a recent email: “It is amazing to me again how little we need to be contented: a fire, some friends, healthy food, nature, a toilet, and maybe some beers or bourbon.” Amen! is all I could add to his observation.
And where do you find wisdom? In a place of worship, through a spiritual practice, in nature, discussing “matters of the soul” with a trusted friend, or in some other way? As our name implies, wisdom is what we’re after here at Center for Spiritual Wisdom. If we can assist or support you in your own search, we would be honored. As many sacred texts remind us, “Lady Wisdom” is just waiting to be discovered and embraced.
photo by Vladislav Babienko via Unsplash