Transformation: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Knowledge is Power! What’s the difference between BELIEF and KNOWLEDGE? Does it really matter which of these words we use and when? We express a lot of POWER THROUGH WORDS, so it’s a good practice take stock and be conscious of the words we use, how we use them, and when we use them. Let’s get back to the differences between “belief” and “knowledge”. Belief is a trust, faith, confidence in, or conviction about someone or something. Knowledge is acquaintance with facts, truth or principles based on experience, study or investigation and/or being aware. You know what I’m about: TRUTH. So what is the difference between “believing your Truth” and “knowing your Truth”? The objectives of this post are:
1) Look at how a high degree of belief in self and self-knowledge contributes to a higher capacity to learn, gather external knowledge with clarity, and live powerfully.
2) To take a moment to reflect on what those words mean to you; and to consciously optimize their use from day-to-day.
3) To remind myself to know and remain focused upon my Truth.
How do you feel when you make an “I believe” statement? [“I BELIEVE (fill in the blank)!”] How do you feel when you make an “I know” statement? [“I KNOW (fill in the blank)!”] They feel different in energy, level of commitment, and degree of conviction. These words even elicit comparatively different responses from other people. We hear the adage: “Knowledge is Power” – knowledge of what? What are you comfortable CLAIMING KNOWLEDGE about? What do you do you feel comfortable CLAIMING BELIEF in? I feel great when my Truths and claims are substantiated by external evidence, structures, and society in general (financial & social successes, academic achievements, group acceptance, etc). However, if our Truths and claims are rooted in “gut instinct” or “intuition” versus external validation, we are often not so confident. It is a vulnerable thing to express and claim and internal Truth or innate knowledge. Ironically, we use our gut instincts (innate knowledge) all the time – both personally & professionally:
a) Social interactions – We say: “There was SOMETHING about her/him”
b) Business – We use: Entrepreneur’s sixth sense
c) Emergency services (e.g. Policing) – We get: A “hinky” feeling when something is wrong or about to happen
In many of these circumstances, when our gut is our guidance, we simply couch it in acceptable language and proof when we make claims. The acceptable language may also be true, but is not the Truth upon which our knowledge is based:
a) Social interactions – We claim: I couldn’t stand his/her cologne!
b) Business – We state: Experience taught me.
c) Emergency services – We articulate: Particular actions or circumstances drew my attention
What about the times your innate knowledge has no substantiating external evidence – yet? (E.g. Your dreams. Your goals. Your capacity. Your passions. Your visions) Fear of the “what-ifs” often prevents us from expressing our Truths and innate knowledge. WHAT IF your Truth is not proven or supported by societal norms, acknowledged facts, widely accepted experiences, or data? WHAT IF your Truths do not conform to what “society” holds to be valid or important? WHAT IF your Truths put you at risk of being judged, disbelieved, or ridiculed?
How can you claim to KNOW and BELIEVE these things when the world does not yet offer support or proof? The “how” is quite simple – you just DO IT. It’s the willingness to be vulnerable and risk that becomes a challenge. What are you willing to risk to express your Truth and claim your knowledge? This is where belief, perseverance, and passion kick in. Once you KNOW something to be true within yourself, you then have to decide what is important to you: Claiming and be-ing your Truth – or something else. You make your Truth the focal point so you can see beyond societal expectations, conditioning, and judgments (including your own). Our level of conviction and commitment is in direct correlation to our connection to our innate Truths, knowledge and beliefs.
People who maintain a strong connection and a high degree of internal belief and knowledge have a tremendous amount of success in discerning and gathering knowledge outside of themselves. Believing and knowing something that is proven is not difficult and it is safe. We gravitate to this for obvious reasons. IT is easy to believe, know, and claim when IT is available to our five senses for verification. The tougher journey is gathering knowledge of, believing in and manifesting what is not yet available to our five senses – making visions real in this world. I remind myself of this when I think about people in my life who have persevered and gained success beyond the initial states of feeling alone, not having evidence of their vision in their lives, not having proof of their immense capacity, and not having all the mechanisms in place to affect their goals. I also think of high profile people who successfully persevered and made their internal vision, passion, and Truth apparent within this world (Dr. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), Mother Teresa (1910-1997), Mahatma Gandhi (1883-1944), Oprah Winfrey, Soichiro Honda (1906-1991) Honda Motors, J.K Rowling (Harry Potter franchises), Tyler Perry (Director & Producer), Steve Jobs (1955-2011) Apple…and the list goes on:)
These inspiring people remained connected with their Truth, knowledge, belief, and passion. They KNEW and they BELIEVED! As a result their visions became real for others in the world to see and appreciate. What do you KNOW? What do you BELIEVE? What will YOU MAKE REAL in this world as a result? xoKeda
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