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"Vive tus preguntas ahora y quizás incluso sin saberlo vivirás algún día lejano en tus respuestas."

Rainer Maria Rilke
Rainer Maria Rilke Poet
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Quote meaning
The essence of the quote is about embracing uncertainty and curiosity in the present moment, with the understanding that the answers to our questions will reveal themselves over time. It's an encouragement to not shy away from the unknown or the things we don't yet understand. Instead, we should dive into these questions and live through them, trusting that the answers will come naturally as we progress through life.

This quote is from Rainer Maria Rilke, a Bohemian-Austrian poet, in his series of letters known as "Letters to a Young Poet." Written in the early 20th century, these letters were meant to guide a young poet through the uncertainties of artistic and personal life. Rilke's wisdom is timeless, offering solace to anyone grappling with the ambiguity of their future.

Think about a time when you had a burning question about your career path or personal life. Let's take the example of someone who's passionate about art but unsure if they can make a living from it. They might constantly wonder if pursuing art is the right choice. Instead of getting paralyzed by this question, Rilke's advice would be to fully immerse themselves in their art now — paint, draw, create. By doing so, they engage deeply with their passion, learning and growing as an artist. Over time, through this dedication, they may find the answer to their question about career viability in ways they couldn't predict. Perhaps they discover a niche market for their style, or they receive a commission that sets their career in motion.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by acknowledging the questions that nag at you. Don't push them aside. Instead, live with them. Let them guide your actions and decisions. If you're unsure about a career move, for instance, take steps in that direction — maybe start with a side project or take a class. Engage with the uncertainty instead of waiting for a clear answer to appear.

To illustrate, imagine a young woman named Sarah who's always been fascinated by writing but works a stable job in finance. Every day, she wonders if she should try writing full-time. Instead of quitting her job abruptly, she starts writing a little every day, maybe starting a blog or contributing articles to online magazines. She lives her question about becoming a writer. Over time, without even realizing it, she may build a portfolio, gain followers, and eventually find herself in a position where transitioning to full-time writing is not just possible but the obvious next step. By living her question, she organically grows into her answer.

Living your questions means accepting the journey with all its uncertainties. It's about trusting the process and understanding that answers are often found through experiences, not just contemplation. So next time you're faced with a big, scary, uncertain question, don't shy away. Dive in. Live it. The answers will come, often when you least expect them.
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Answers Journey Life philosophy Mindfulness Patience Personal growth Questions Reflection Self-discovery Wisdom
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