Lean Into the Mystery: Why Clarity Isn't Always the Answer
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." ~ Voltaire
Have you ever felt stuck in uncertainty? Like you're stuck in a fog, unable to see the path ahead? You're wrestling with a decision, unsure of the next step, and the lack of clarity is gnawing at you.
As someone who craves clarity and control, I can easily get caught up in the anxiety of not knowing. Uncertainty can feel unbearable, leaving me feeling lost and unmoored.
What if I told you that embracing a lack of clarity could be a powerful tool for growth?
I came across a concept that has completely shifted my perspective on the value of not having clarity.
This idea comes from a course on Active Hope (co-created by Chris Johnstone and Joanna Macy and the Work That Reconnects). In the course, Chris offered a quote that resonated deeply with me:
"There are times between Clarity and that we need to allow the kind of unclarity that happens when we're moving from one thing to another."
I love this idea so much, unclarity might be not just okay, but actually desirable.
We often chase clarity like a holy grail, clinging to the familiar because it feels safe. If the only thing we valued was familiarity, we'd never leave the house. The familiar comfort of home might be safe, but as the saying goes, "Ships are safe in harbours, but that's not what ships are built for."
Growth lies in navigating the in-between spaces
Discovery happens when we venture outside our comfort zones, navigating the murky waters of the unknown.
Those periods of murkiness, uncertainty, and not-knowing are not roadblocks, but transitions. They're like spring and autumn, times of letting go and preparing for something new.
Many of us, myself included, have a tendency to subtly judge ourselves for not having all the answers. It's a subtle damming of the unknown, a belief that clarity is the only acceptable state. We view it as a failing, a sign that something is wrong. But what if we reframed it? What if those periods of not knowing held immense possibility, a chance to explore the unknown with a sense of open curiosity?
Letting Go to Find Clarity
Clarity and unclarity might not be opposites, but complementary forces.
The unknown doesn't have to be a scary void. It might be a space brimming with potential, mystery, and a sense of openness. This shift can transform uncertainty from something we resist to something exciting and brimming with possibility.
In the in-between times, the natural human response is to crave a sense of direction. The urge to "figure it out" and fix it can be strong. But what if these in-between periods are also invitations to let go?
It's a chance to ask yourself:
What am I not doing that's no longer serving me?
What can I let go of to create space for new possibilities?
Sometimes, saying "no" can be the clearest act of all, even if it doesn't lead you directly to a resounding "yes.". It allows you to refine our vision and eliminate possibilities as you carve out a path for what truly matters.
Resourcing Ourselves in the In-between
Unclarity doesn't have to be a source of anxiety.
The key is finding ways to feel safe enough to navigate these in-between spaces.
This doesn't mean diving headfirst into overwhelm nor should you ignore the discomfort. It's about gently touching those uncertain feelings, just enough to feel safe and contained.
Instead of resisting it, we can learn to resource ourselves, nurture resilience, and approach these feelings with a sense of exploration and curiosity. Just enough exploration to feel the edge of our comfort zone, but not so much that we become overwhelmed.
The Power in the Unknown
There's a deep sense of peace that comes from accepting that clarity and unclarity are simply different parts of the journey.
This doesn't mean clarity isn't valuable. But by accepting unclarity as a natural part of the process, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and growth.
Just like a ship would be wasted if it stayed docked forever, we shouldn't be afraid to venture out into the open seas, explore the vast potential that lies within the fog, and discover the magic of the unknown.
The next time you find yourself lost in the fog, remember: you might not be lost at all. You might just be on an exciting voyage of self-discovery, charting a course towards a future filled with uncharted territories and endless possibilities.
What do you think? How do you navigate periods of unclarity in your own life? Share your experiences in the comments below!
One thing I find resourcing during times of unclarity is to come back to what's important to me - my values.
You can download my free resource, Uncover Your Values, if you'd like to at least feel clearer on articulating what matters to you.