The Wisdom of Not Knowing: Discovering a Life of Wonder by Embracing Uncertainty

Estelle Frankel

feb 2017 · Shambhala Publications

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Indie Book Awards Winner

A deeply affirming exploration of the unknown—with meditations and exercises for transforming the fear and uncertainty of ‘not knowing’ into a sense of openness, curiosity, and bravery

For most of us, the unknown is both friend and foe. At times, it can be a source of paralyzing fear and uncertainty. At other times, it can be a starting point for transformation, creativity, and growth. The unknown is a deep current that runs throughout all religions and mystical traditions, plays an important role in contemporary psychotheraputic thought and practice, and is essential to personal growth and healing. In The Wisdom of Not Knowing, psychotherapist Estelle Frankel shows us that our psychological, emotional, and spiritual health is radically influenced by how comfortable we are with navigating the unknown and uncertain dimensions of our lives.

Drawing on insights from Kabbalah, depth psychology, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and ancient myth, Frankel explores how we can grow our souls by tapping into the wisdom of not knowing. She also includes case studies of individuals who have grappled with fears of the unknown and, as a result, come out wiser, stronger, and more resilient. Each chapter includes experiential exercises and meditations for befriending the unknown, conveying how embracing a state of "not knowing" is the key to gaining new knowledge, learning to bear uncertainty, and enjoying a healthy sense of adventure and curiosity.

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ESTELLE FRANKEL is a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist, spiritual advisor, and teacher of Jewish mysticism. Frankel has taught Jewish studies in Israel and throughout the US for over forty years in both academic and religious settings and was ordained as a Rabbinic Pastor and Spiritual Guide by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. She is a popular public speaker and storyteller who has taught workshops and given keynote speeches at numerous conferences and symposia. Frankel offers continuing education courses for therapists in sacred psychology and spirituality and is currently on the teaching faculty and spiritual leadership team of Chochmat Halev Center for Jewish Spirituality and Lehrhaus Judaica in Berkeley, CA. Frankel is the author of numerous essays on Judaism and psychology that have been published by a variety of professional and spiritual journals and literary anthologies including: Tikkun Magazine, Women & Therapy, The Responsive Community, and Parabola Magazine.