How much don't you know?

How much don't you know? Seem like a silly question? Rhetorical, perhaps? Give it the merest moment's thought and the answer is instantly apparent: What we don't know is infinite. But that's not how many of us operate day in and day out. If we did, we might go insane.

Just contemplating infinity is maddening enough, and making it personal could do some serious damage if we aren't careful with ourselves. But, we do not have all the answers. As firmly as we believe what we believe, there is always more to know; so, remain vigilant that we are always operating at a deficit of some level.

That said, it is necessary for each one of us to feel a solid sense of self-mastery so that we might live a happy life. And, to be sure, you have already mastered many practices -- from being a good friend or partner to taking leadership positions at work or school or in the community; from novice to journeyman at work be it plumbing, painting or politicking; from learning to walk to dancing for joy. Life is full of times when enough is enough.

However, if you are not mindful, you may fall into the trap of thinking that enough is all you need to know -- the hubris of thinking that you have the answers you need, at least to the questions you choose to ask.

I urge you to stay open to possibility. I urge you to keep asking more questions. I urge you to listen to "nonsense" with an open heart and an open mind. I do not ask you to switch sides, be someone you are not, or turn your back on all that you have learned to date. That would be wrong.

I do urge you to remain open-minded and to listen with a kind and open heart. You, I, not one among us -- not one -- will ever know what we don't know until we do. And do again, and again, and forever again.