So what does this mean about truth and clarity? It means truth is certainly relative and probably a chimera. You now understand that our representation of the world is an evolving model that comes from little pieces of data that make it through.

It means that putting together understanding and clarity is a process that takes patience and time. It also explains why meditative processes work. Why the creative act is more a function of inspiration than genius.

There are many stories of scientists having breakthroughs from dreams and reveries. All this data that comes in that doesn’t make it to the conscious mind, in meditation is freed. The unconscious mind opens a link to the conscious. When you are working hard, studying and banging your head against the problem you take a break. You daydream or meditate. Suddenly the solution is there. Many have talked about this but it is clear that the process involves a sneaky way of getting data out of the unconscious to the conscious.

The conclusion is that when trying to get clear a meditative approach is not only valuable but essential. If step 1 of becoming clear is to lay out the problem one of the next steps is to schedule a time to get into touch with the unconscious. This can be done by sitting quietly in a chair, feet flat on the floor, eyes open or closed. Let your mind float around the issue you’re trying to get clear. Realize that this will take more than one session. Be patient and you will be rewarded. I call this practical meditation. Have fun with this. Make sure there is a small smile on your face. Tell me how it works for you.