One of my greatest challenges in life is maintaining an awareness of my ignorance. To some extent I do this "naturally" by feeling stupid and incompetent now matter how much I read and write, or how many people tell my I'm smart. But feeling stupid is a different thing from being aware of one's blind spots, skills deficits and rationalizations.
This week in my insight meditation in on perception and reality at work. Being aware of my ignorance, but also my wisdom is crucial as I go into some complicated negotiations with a specialist from a schoolboard.
I know that I am still ignorant of how to stay awake, and avoid being at the mercy of my cravings and a lifetime of poor emotional and work habits.
And I feel that keenly as I see my son take on so many of my worst weaknesses.
Maybe that is the motivation I need to awaken and stay awake.
