To receive, I must first give. To give, I must first receive.
There are, broadly, two types of decisions - one in which I decide to pay for something 'now' in order to receive something quite definite 'later' - such as obtaining a university degree. With this decision type, one can know beforehand what is needed and prepare for undertaking the consequences. The path is much more known and predictable.
The other decision type is one in which I decide to pay for something 'later' in order to receive something quite definite 'now' - such as becoming a parent. With this decision type, one does not know what the specific consequences may be, either good or bad, or for how long. The path is much more unknown and unpredictable and one needs to be constantly vigilant to any challenges (and joys) that may come.
Spiritual decisions are no different. It is often the case that those seeking for a spiritual pathway will endlessly search for something 'definite' - a plan, a 12 step process, a road map, a university degree to complete - that will get them where they 'think' they need to go. And while this is legitimate to an extent - as we all need to have a concrete sense of at least the next step we need to take - most spiritual decisions are quite the opposite. This is because if one really knew where one was going and how to get there with some certainty, one would be there already.
Putting oneself in a constant state of question, trying to sense the needs of the situation and to respond accordingly without predetermination, requires becoming comfortable working in the 'unknown'. This doesn't mean one should not seek clarity and precision - for confusion just leads to madness - but to accept working in the true 'unknown' requires a movement towards a certain inner taste that must be recognisable.
This taste, and the development of another inner taste that is sensed when there is a movement towards the known, the familiar, where one is far more comfortable, can give a direction (a polarity) for one's inner work that is vital in staying open to those questions that touch us most. This 'openness' has the capacity to invite higher energies to dwell within and expand one's sense of what is needed next.
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Matthew 6:25-34 KJV
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