The Unchained Mind

just some basic existential crisis stuff

    In space where infinite vastness and timelessness neighbour each other, I catch my mind drifting into the void. Dark and desolate by definition, the void radiates what I believe is nothingness. To most, 'nothingness' is the end; it is where nothing exists or where nothing happens, to my unchained mind, its where I can submerge myself into myriad possibilities, flirt with the idea of uncertainty. It's where I realize that the world doesn't revolve around me. I am alone and liberated to discover the spiritual realm seeded within me. 

   I watch the atheist and the theist, cling to ideas like a mother with her newborn, ever so dearly. My mind floats between their established position. They have created a spectrum on which I can slide, enjoying the mysteries of the universe and finding ways to unlock its secrets while I unlock my own. The more my mind ventures forth, the more I discover myself. I choose to let my mind wander into this vastness, excited for the spiritual or corporeal encounters that would come my way. The paradox of not knowing what uncertainties are to come is what animates my mind. 

   The freedom of thought is what elates me. The freedom to move up and down the spectrum, regardless of being labelled a coward for not establishing firm opinions. How can you expect such actions from such a person? A person who lives for experiences; who rests in the arms of uncertainties and satisfied with not knowing the truth. It opens up a field for me to dive into, and search for answers. Answers that I believe don't even have questions. I live to experience the possibility of finding a God with empathy or discovering one with no anthropomorphic attributes, none of which bother me. 

   My unchained mind or as I'd like to call it 'The Nomadic Mind', finds peace in openness. Settling for a certain cause defies the workings of my mind as it chains it down from exploration and self-discovery. At the very age of eleven, I found myself unlocking those metaphorical chains when I looked up into the starry sky and innocently asked my Grandfather, 'What's up there?',  to which he replied, 'I Don't Know'.

 

   That very phrase has stuck with me, through all the ages I've passed. I found thrill in those three simple words. They coerced me towards exploring, reading and understanding. I continued to grow fond of various beliefs and opinions about the wonders of the universe. I learned so much and with that growing knowledge, I was able to draw the curtains in my heart and open my mind to every uncertainty, possibility, and experience; whether spiritual or irreverent. The closer I approach something enigmatic, the more I discovered myself. How I feel or react, and How I achieve to reach those moments and manage to escape them, all those factors amalgamated to form a clear yet incomprehensible image I have of myself.  I let my 'unchained mind' drift further away to find its limits for it only tries to discover paths or patterns leading it far into the vast space of  'Nothingness'.

Author's Note

This is just an overview of my personal beliefs, not influencing anyone else. I wrote whats on my mind most of the time and read this book written by Lesley Hazelton 'Agnostic' and it really helped me understand my beliefs better and myself. hope you enjoy this random piece I just wrote.
This reminds me of a quote by Aristotle 'knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom....'

Reviews

[KWP]

Nice to get thoughts out of your mind like this and written down - it creates clarity :D

I wonder though, just now I wonder, about this vastness of emptiness.... I feel you can explore this more .... (so can I in fact, you have me thinking right now) I'm not so sure we reach the point of a totally unfettered mind just to float in blackness. Think about it from a different angle perhaps ... really an unchained mind is a mind free from all attachments and free from attachments means free from suffering, and that's what humans do, they like to believe that a life of suffering in small forms and in big is the only way forward. Not so. Waking, and viewing the world with a mind unfettered, gives you new eyes to see the world, one that see it as it is, one that the viewer just naturally accepts that moment to moment, everything is perfect in its own form.

One tip, I would refrain from saying phrases like 'they hang on to their beliefs like a rattle' wherever we are in our own self becoming, is where we are, no need for outward criticism, just observe and accept.

This is a life long journey you are on - I wish you well in your exploring - there are no wrong answers X

[pia]

You are absolutely correct
Thank you so much for your outlook on the write as well !!

[Ken Simm.]

Nothing basic or crisis ridden about this Pia. About as intelligent piece on creative uncertainty as I've read in many a long time.
Plato said he was the wisest man alive because he was sure he knew nothing.

[pia]

your words really did boost my confidence for my own views. thank you so much for such an insightful review

[Tony Jordan]

A nice article Pia - clear concise, informative.

[pia]

Thanks Tony

[Ghania]

Yes. The realization of your inner self is actually the realization of everything. And it connects you to God. The beginning of spirituality.
I loved the way you defined Nothingness.
'Sense of Judgement' is what makes a man differemt from the other one. Some people zone out in uncertainities and don't bother recollecting their own thoughs and ideas. They cling to people's view. It's suffocating, really. How can one remain satisfied without getting answers to one's questions?
Some people remain contented wuth the little enigma they have, some want more. And this 'want' let them drive to their answers or 'Nothingness'.

Enjoyed reading your as-always Amazing piece. Very, well-written.
100/100 :)))))))))

[pia]

ahh thankss Ghania !!! I always love your reviews.
you know its high time people in Pakistan start opening up towards tolerance and respect towards everyones beliefs !!

[Ghania]

You're Welcome, Pia.
Ha ha. Yeah. Patience is what we require. Lesser fanaticism. ;p.
You Know, it's so good to know that you're from Pakistan. One who really has great sense of proportion.
Best wishes :))

[pia]

same its wonderful to find Pakistanis here on this site, each writer adds to some nice personal wisdom. something you want from the people in our country !!

[Ghania]

True.......... :))))

[Great Aunt Astri]

You have explained you personal beliefs beautifully. I especially like he way you see 'nothingness' as something to strive for. That hits a helpful, personal note for me. I also like the way your Grandfather answered your question, 'I don't know'. That has encouraged you to discover for yourself, and form your own beliefs and opinions. In my opinion, that is very good.. Nice work.

[pia]

Im glad that you enjoyed this !!

[Ayvid N]

This is good Pia. Firm beliefs and convictions close the mind, stop the spiritual growth in a universe where no one knows what is certain or real. An unchained mind goes to new places, learns so much. If one does not waver in the face of the unknown, there is so much to learn. Awesome write!

[pia]

Thank you so much !!

[Ayvid N]

You are so welcome :)

[wordman]

i wonder,what the hell do we really know !
we`ve been taught from childhood on other peoples opinions,i guess if you can`t eat it,or drink it,or even touch it,does it really matter,love is all we have and sometimes that kicks us in the face

[pia]

Exactly!!
From childhood we've been assigned to follow certain beliefs and opinions which is totally fine its guidance and we all need it somehow. But to blindly fall into it is what chains the mind. Use thar guidance and beliefs to venture cfarther

[wordman]

well, i have been doing a lot of reading,which leads to more questions

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are on a vast voyage of discovery. This is beautifully written and insightful. Personal, honest, pondering.... Lovely story!

[pia]

Thank you so much Annette!!

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You're very welcome pia!