I like certainty. This is why I think about and study every aspect of life ad nauseam and usually enjoy doing it. I try to use well-defined terms, clear-cut logic, and unbiased research to find elegant solutions to political, social, theological, and medical controversies.

However, sometimes (actually a lot of the time) it is necessary to live with at least temporary uncertainty – with solutions or conclusions that aren’t blatantly illogical but do leave something to be desired. This is where, for me at least, it is crucial that I follow my paradigm of living in appointed times by faith and practice centering on the present moment. All I really ever should ask myself during the week is “What should I be doing right now?” and then once I know the answer (and many times this is something I know instinctively) I should go and do that thing leaving other thoughts behind. If I truly am not sure what to do, I have paradigms for how to deal with that that I should follow.

This is life – and it can be so simple. Oh, I still have my philosophical musings, soul searchings, and other endeavors that make life more fulfilling at designated times, and this is great. It means I am constantly changing in small or big ways in every area of life.

I have heard the expression and may have even quoted it in the past, “Don’t be so open-minded your brains fall out.” I agree and disagree with this statement. I do believe it is necessary to have some baseline paradigm that gives a rudimentary structure to your life, such as the one I have. So, in this case, I would agree that if you are so open-minded that you don’t even have this structure because your are constantly mentally challenging everything, I think this could be disastrous. I have had one period of my life that was like this, and I was in nearly constant depression for most of it.

However, once you have a structure (as basic and as little as possible) to your life, then you can be as open minded as you want, and in my opinion, the more the merrier. Why? Well, for me, it is fulfilling to ask questions and ponder all the mysteries of life and the possible explanations, or social structures, or politics. One of the things that most fulfills me, other than when I enjoy great health, is seeking to know the truth. I believe that the truth does set people free, as Jesus/Y’shua said in John 8:32.

One of the defining characteristics that distinguishes people from other animals is the drive to understand things. This must be kept alive at all costs. The art and science of living is figuring out how to do this while engaging in all the routine tasks of each day.