Practical Wisdom with Dr. Rick Hanson How “Not Knowing” Dissolves Suffering
Dec 31, 2025
Exploring the concept of 'not knowing' reveals how clinging to certainty can lead to suffering. Embracing uncertainty fosters curiosity, improves relationships, and alleviates self-judgment. The conversation highlights the benefits of a beginner's mind, allowing for greater openness and reducing conflicts. Through practical examples, listeners learn how letting go of rigid expectations can diminish regret and procrastination. Ultimately, cultivating not-knowing offers a path to deeper presence and creativity.
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Beginner's Mind Opens Possibility
- Resting in a 'don't know' stance opens perception to more possibilities and reduces rigid reactivity.
- Rick Hanson says beginner's mind contains many possibilities while expert's mind contains few.
Use 'Don't Know' As A Buffer
- Use 'don't know' as a practical buffer to stay present and avoid premature conclusions.
- Rick Hanson advises keeping grounded and reminding yourself of things you truly know when prone to feeling unmoored.
Parking Misread Shows Quick Judgments
- Rick Hanson shares a parking exchange where he misread someone taking two spaces but they were in a driveway.
- The driver assumed he was angry, illustrating harm from premature interpretations.