Understanding is gained in the process of journeying and reflection. By grand design understanding must be sufficient but never complete.
After giving the above response to someone’s tweet I began wondering about the nature of understanding and of the process of journeying into understanding. I think that in the initial phase of our journey we have certain understandings of the world and of phenomena which are premised on some fairly generic principles. These principles inform our assumptions, joys, sadnesses and our acceptance of certain people or ideas as opposed to others. Nonetheless understandings are never fixed but mutate in the course of journeying
When put to the test in the wake of the churnings and breakings life inflicts on us, our generic principles sometimes prove inadequate. That is when they must either mutate or atrophy into irrelevance and ineffectiveness. The uncertainty and confusion that results from contextually inadequate principles propels us to grope for an understanding that fits. It is in this process that lucidity awakens and with it the joy of understanding. But the cycle begins again.
It seems then that it is the grand design that understanding should be sufficient but never complete to allow for continuous journeying and arrivals on increasingly elevated platforms of understanding.
Find parallel thoughts in the poem No Entiendo from my book Splendor from Ashes
Then
gazing toward the horizon
with youthful investments of confidence that
in time we will understand.
Get a handle on the puzzle.
Be better at strategizing
for living and loving and being.
Surely like fine wine
wisdom will increase in the school of aging.
Surely early stumblings will decline
in the midst of the unfolding surge.
Now,
poised mid-staircase, we’ve still not arrived
’cause we’re still locked on the platform of reaching,
locked in the embrace of youthful yearning
for life’s beautiful things: understanding, clarity—
which we no more possess now than when we first began.
At the finish as at the start,
we’re condemned soldiers of the dark,
questing for that ever receding light.
IngridRizzolo-MyWrite 
Indeed understanding is important
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I wouldn’t say understanding comes with age, but with experience. It’s the time when you say, Oh so that’s what it means, oh now I know, oh now I understand why. Realization comes later. Great poem by the way. – easyblogthemes.com
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Yes it comes when we reflect and respond correctly to our experiences
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You poems are truly thought provoking. When gazing upon a three dimensional object one’s perception of the object changes with the angle of view even though the object had not changed at all. Understanding is like this. It changes with the perceiver’s point of view which is influenced by his or her own past experiences. Therefore complete understanding can never be achieved because it is not possible to evaluate all possible points of view simultaneously.
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Understanding is an important factor in self evolving & growth. Although understanding is a thing which comes with experience and an urge to adapt ourselves with time.
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Understanding is so important but I fear sometimes we cannot understand but only respect and appreciate or respect to not understand certain things. Great article!
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This made me think of all the challenges I am confronting right now. I do understand whats going on, but that only goes so far in figuring out how to deal with them the you take in emotions, pride and forgiveness too.
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Very nice poem..I really touched by your words..life is all about understanding
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understanding is a huge part of communication. I find that in today’s fast-paced world people come to conclusion too soon. This is often the case when you cut people of during a conversation. Taking the time to listen is essential to understanding others’ point of view.
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Yes we all have to work on that skill
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understanding is a learning curve, in order to understand we must be taught and have the patience to learn. Upon learning we eventually understand.
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There are times when others are incapable of understanding a situation, but they can instead have empathy. Feigned understanding is disrespectful and can occasionally be seen as callous at worst.
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So true
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I believe that understanding does not come with age but rather through how much life experience you have had. That was a beautifully written poem though and extremely poignant as well!
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Thank you Ana
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Lovely poem, understanding is not only important in many situations but also something we continue learning.
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I think this is why I love traveling so much. It increases my world view, but also my understanding. Being something that continues to evolve motivates me to stretch my understanding.
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Understanding is the key to a healthy and successful relationship. Very well written.
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Beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing with us.
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I believe that understanding can be achieved when we are in tuned with who we are and can put ourselves in other people’s shoe. Empathy plays a big part in the understanding process.
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locked in the embrace of youthful learning… Isn’t that the truth. I see it every day in the schools. Watching the journey into understanding is a privileged place to be.
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This is a great poem. I know every journey we take has a purpose but sometimes we never fully know that purpose. Thanks for sharing this awesome poem.
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Ahhhhhh, the journey we all call life. While we try to figure out how to enjoy and maximize our time here, I’m glad to know that I’m not doing it alone. Thank you for your contribution.
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Once again your words are thought provoking. Reflection is vechical for understanding and wisdom. Once we understand we can become teachers.
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