When we think of the word “wise,” we often picture an elderly person with a long white beard, imparting sagely advice to a younger generation. But wisdom isn’t limited to age or experience. Wisdom comes from listening, learning, and applying knowledge to make good decisions.
The Power of Leaning
When we lean, we put our trust in something else to support us. We lean on railings, walls, and other people. Leaning can be a powerful act of vulnerability and connection. It can also be a symbol of weakness or instability.
But what does it mean to be a “wise leaner”? In short, it means understanding when and where to place our trust. It means recognizing when we need support and seeking it out. It also means being discerning about who we lean on and why.
Leaning on Others
Humans are social creatures. We need other people to survive and thrive. When we’re going through a tough time or facing a big decision, it’s natural to seek out the advice and support of others.
But not all advice is created equal. It’s important to be discerning about who we listen to and why. Just because someone is older or more experienced doesn’t necessarily mean they have our best interests at heart. We need to be wise in choosing our confidantes and seeking out diverse perspectives.
Leaning on Ourselves
While leaning on others is important, we also need to be able to trust ourselves. This means developing self-awareness and self-trust. We need to know our own values, strengths, and weaknesses so we can make well-informed decisions that align with our goals and priorities.
Self-trust also means being able to recognize when we need to ask for help. Wise leaning involves a balance of leaning on others and leaning on ourselves. It’s about knowing when to trust our instincts and when to seek out additional support.
Leaning on Knowledge
Wisdom isn’t just about experience or intuition. It’s also about knowledge. The more we learn, the more tools we have to make good decisions and solve problems.
Leaning on knowledge means being curious and open to new ideas. It means seeking out information from a variety of sources and using critical thinking skills to evaluate it. It also means recognizing when we don’t know something and being willing to ask questions and learn from others.
Leaning on a Higher Power
Finally, for many people, wisdom involves leaning on a higher power. This can be a religious or spiritual belief, a connection to nature, or simply a sense of something greater than ourselves.
Leaning on a higher power can provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose. It can also be a source of division and conflict if we impose our beliefs on others or refuse to listen to opposing viewpoints.
The Benefits of Wise Leaning
So why is wise leaning important? When we’re able to trust ourselves and others, we feel more connected and fulfilled. We’re better equipped to navigate challenges and make good decisions. We’re also more open to new experiences and perspectives.
Like birds on a wire, we’re able to support each other and stay balanced even in the face of adversity. Wise leaning isn’t just a personal skill, it’s a social and cultural one. When we’re able to lean on each other with wisdom and discernment, we create stronger, more resilient communities.
Conclusion
In their hands, the wise lean. They understand that wisdom comes from a balance of knowledge, self-awareness, and trust. They know when to lean on others and when to lean on themselves. They’re open to new ideas and perspectives, but also discerning in who they listen to and why.
When we’re able to practice wise leaning, we’re able to create more fulfilling, connected lives. We’re also better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities that come our way. So let’s learn to lean wisely, and support each other on this journey called life.