"From the day we are born—when we enter into the mystery of not knowing—until the day we leave the planet, the only way to grow is to step into the unknown time after time."
Uncertainty wears many faces. It can be thrust upon us by external forces beyond our control, such as losing a job, or it can be something we worry about that might happen in the future, or it can be something we shy away from, such as letting go of familiar but unhealthy habits. Jones points out that most of our uncertainty anxieties are based upon a fear of loss. But what we perceive or project as loss also cracks us open to newness, to unforeseen gifts, to the richness of life. Driving this point home, the author asks readers to imagine themselves ten years ago and notice the ways in which life has changed in that time, how many uncertainties were faced, overcome, and embraced. How we respond to uncertainty, to life, is a matter of choice—or "the altitude of our attitude," as Jones says, as well as ample doses of faith, consciousness, intention, patience, and mindfulness—and more.
Life is a glorious mystery and The Art of Uncertainty is like having a spiritual primer for gracefully leaving behind our coveted, safe—but stifled—comfort zones and being liberated to love the ride of our life.
Julie Clayton
New Consciousness Review
Do you approach changes in your life with fear and trepidation or with joy and enthusiasm? As we face life's challenges, one thing is certain—we must navigate a sea of uncertainty. In The Art of Uncertainty: How to Live in the Mystery of Life and Love It, Dennis Merritt Jones offers tools to become wise mariners of that sea and know, "Every action you take moves you one step closer to either evolution and expansion or redundancy and a reduction of your life force." Each beautifully written chapter draws on the wisdom of the sages, both past and present, and contains straight-forward, practical strategies illustrated with real-life examples that are relevant to readers. Jones addresses our fears, potential, habits, intentions, patience, and perseverance, reminding us, "The only thing we can control is our next thought."
A "Points to Ponder" section at the end of each chapter clearly summarizes the concepts presented and offers questions to help one personalize the information. Also at the end of each chapter, Jones's "Mindfulness Practices" guide one in anchoring the learning and stepping into an awareness of our oneness with source. When we are centered in that knowing, living in the mystery of what is yet to be becomes a joyous adventure.
With The Art of Uncertainty, readers can chart a course for learning how to live in the "I don't know" while maintaining a sense of inner-peace and optimism. This simple but beautifully wise and practical book is a gem. Don't step into the unknown without it.
Claudia Abbott
Editor, Science of Mind Magazine
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