Too smart?

The biggest cause for procrastination is some version of self-critique.

But I have noticed a “sneaky”, less obvious version of this in my own life.
I’m being too smart.

Well, I’m not talking about bragging or trying to appear better than I am.
I’m talking about our “expertise” being in our way.

I believe this happens to everybody in some way and has nothing to do with our intelligence being compared to someone else’s.

Do you know the Lord of the Rings?
You don’t have to like the book or even have read it but there is a section in the book that illustrates what I mean. I’ll explain:

There is a chapter where Gandalf, the wizard, tries to open a magic door that leads into a mine and he is having a hard time with it even though the solution is very clear.

The point is that a very wise and intelligent man is trying to open a door, assuming it has to be very difficult and complex. Ultimately he fails to open the door despite his knowledge. It turns out that the “password” necessary to open the door is written just above the door in plain sight. But Gandalf misses this point because this fact is too simple. One of the members of the fellowship finally points out the fact and the riddle is solved.

We have this idea that complex is better.
Even though I don’t mind complex and sophisticated ideas, there is something about an idea that is simple. It is like we have complex ideas because we actually don’t know, or a really simple idea is more obvious and actually causes action and change. Try answering the following sentences:

Can you describe your art in one sentence?
Can you describe your purpose in one sentence?
Can you describe what you do in one sentence?
Can you describe your dream project in one sentence?

I’m not saying there is something wrong with having long descriptions.
But, you know, when you are thirsty, it is simple. You have a simple reason and you get into action; you drink. Why not try this with your creativity? Have a simple, clear reason and act upon it.

I constantly make things too difficult, too complex.
I can’t just write a song. No, it has to be a super-song with really advanced music.
I sometimes spend some agonizing time trying to find out the “perfect” chords, rhythm, lyrics, instruments, arrangement etc and nothing is being created at all. Well, except some stored frustration packed into my shoulders.

There is a simple truth:
You don’t know - You cannot predict the future.
So why worry?

When I was studying at Naropa University, a Buddhist monk once told me:
“You know when you are on an airplane. Why worry if something will go wrong? I mean, if something goes wrong and you can do something about it, then do that. If you can’t do anything about it, there is nothing you can do. So, relax.”

Obviously this was quite an evolved person and I think most people, including myself, will have a hard time implementing his advice. But I still remind myself of his advice because apart from him being absolutely right about it, the advice is so clear and simple. There is something relaxed and good about this attitude.

Knowing too much
Another version of being too smart is being an “expert”.
For example, I have gathered much knowledge all my life. I love to study, to find out and I remember facts and ideas and I implement them into my life and in my teaching. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this of course.

But I often use my “stored knowledge” to see life. It is like I see life through a veil and not really what is actually happening in front of me. What do I mean?
Well, you could say I don’t really see the flower, I actually see the “concept” of a flower.

If you did not know the word for flower, how would you describe it? You might say it has a certain colour and shape or smell? If you did not have names for colours, shapes and smells, how would you describe it? Could you in fact describe it or know it without any concept?

Ok, you might think what I am saying is a little weird and I am not saying there is anything wrong with words or describing things. I’m just showing you that words are concepts – a simplification of what is.

Limiting
So words and concepts are great. You can understand me through what I’m writing for example. But most of us would agree that some labels are really limiting, like for example judging people for the “colour” of their skin; a clear case of seeing through a “concept” instead of seeing the deeper truth of humanity.

The point is if you can use words and concepts but also see it is not all there is?
Math is, for example, an incredibly exact and valuable science, but it is still a concept. It does not mean that math is not truthful. I’m just showing that math is truth seen through a concept.
Imagine truth without concepts? Imagine feeling your body without concepts? In fact, you could do this before you knew what your body was and what it was called. You still can.

Sometimes we confuse reality with concepts.

Personally, I am constantly too smart. Meaning, instead of seeing what is there, I decide with my past experience what a situation is all about. I make quick judgements about what is possible and what I can do.

This is curious because the past does not equal the future and I truly have no idea of what is possible now, or the next moment. How come I judge the situation anyway? Maybe it is true I could not sing before, but what about now?