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How colossal is your ego? Is it expansive enough to firmly hold onto a belief, even in the face of new information that challenges its core? Could it withstand the upheaval of a fundamental belief you’ve nurtured over years, possibly decades?
Let me share with you a recent experience of mine that beautifully encapsulates this exploration. I had the chance to visit Devils Tower in Wyoming. Prior to this journey, pictures I had seen of the monument stirred in me an unyielding belief: Devils Tower was a massive, prehistoric tree. There was a part of me that fervently wanted to embrace this notion, to fortify it into a belief.
My encounter with the tower in person, however, was transformative. As I absorbed its profound energy, observed its peculiar form through my binoculars, it became undeniable that it bore the semblance of a rock formation. Seeking answers, I turned to the National Park Service’s online resources. While there still remains a sense of mystery about what Devils Tower truly is, the theory that resonated most with me was a stark departure from my initial belief.
According to this theory, Devils Tower is a hardened igneous rock formation that surfaced millions of years ago. Over eons, softer sedimentary layers eroded, leaving behind the resilient, solitary tower. This geological explanation, although starkly different from my initial conviction, began to align with my newfound observations. Alongside this, I discovered a multitude of tales from Native Americans, offering myriad interpretations and enriching the narrative tapestry of this landmark.
This experience thrust me into introspection, compelling me to question the flexibility of belief systems. Is it possible to harbor a strong conviction, only to reshape it upon receiving fresh information? Can you acknowledge that your prior belief was formulated on the information you had then, and now with new insights, you’ve molded a new conviction? Does your ego loom so large that it impedes your ability to adjust your beliefs, as you’re too entrenched in your own narrative, your personal truth?
This, dear reader, is the challenge I encourage you to undertake. I invite you to turn the lens inward, to truly examine your capacity for understanding and acceptance. Are you quick to judge others’ truths merely because they’re equipped with more information, which might, in fact, be more accurate? Or are you open to the possibility that neither of you holds the absolute truth?
In the realm of knowledge and beliefs, it’s critical to remain open, adaptable, and receptive to new perspectives. Let’s embrace the ever-evolving nature of truth, and let it propel us towards wisdom, understanding, and acceptance.
