The Certainty of Uncertainty

It's sometimes uncomfortable not knowing what might happen. As humans, we tend to prefer the certainty of thinking that we know the right way and the apparent security of taking action. The dark realm of uncertainty and not knowing can be confusing. In uncertainty, we may feel shaky, vulnerable or small; in certainty we often feel strong, stable and centered.

Most of us try to control what’s happening when we feel the discomfort of uncertainty. Yet our lives always contain both certainty and uncertainty. Quantum physics suggests that the universe is bound by repeating cycles of order and chaos. Both have their value and reasons for being. Science tells us that multiple possibilities manifest into some shape and form through what we expect.

When we try to get out of uncertainty by exerting what feels like control, a paradox may occur. When we control our situation and take action too quickly, we may actually eliminate unformed possibilities that could have allowed something new and useful to emerge. If we look only for what we believe to be true (our usual way of being in the world), we will likely get more of the same. By staying in uncertainty, as uncomfortable as that may be, and paying attention to emerging possibilities, we give space for something we haven’t already considered to come forward.

In the chaos of uncertainty we could do something different from trying to control. By choosing to be present, we can notice our uncomfortable feelings with curiosity and pay attention to the desire for a quick fix that so often accompanies our need for control. In being present with uncertainty rather than trying to solve what we consider a problem, we’re also going against what we’ve been taught to do in our controlling and busy western culture. It takes courage to hang out long enough in the unknown to give space for something different to come forward and to notice what is different.

I’ve made conscious leaps into the unknown a number of times in my life (and have also experienced many that I didn’t choose consciously!). I know the edginess of that uncertain place. A recent example was choosing to quit my successful physical therapy business. It meant letting go of the certainty of work I am good at where I was praised and rewarded. By making this choice, I left space for something new to emerge.

It's taking time and space to open up to what is now possible in my work and exploring how I can best use my skills and gifts. I’ve recognized that holding this continuing uncertainty with humility and curiosity, while moving forward experimentally and playfully, leaves space for possibilities to arise space for newness to come forward. Holding this uncertainly, I’m discovering less need to have all the answers or to know the best and right way.

It’s reassuring to accept that we all experience uncertainty. Our lives are ever changing and it’s what we learn from living them that really matters.

Something to try: Next time you feel uncertain about something in your life, practice being present to it and staying there. Notice how you feel and what you want to do. Ask yourself and the universe “What’s possible here? What is the balance between sitting with this uncertainty and taking action?”