“Ask, Seek and Knock”: uses all 3 intelligence centers

“Ask, seek, and knock.” These are Jesus’ iconic words: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Notice how our three intelligence centers are used differently here.

knocking-on-heavens-door “Asking” comes from our head intelligence center and is cerebral and verbal; we ask for what we most need and want. Please, please, please I want to create something really beautiful!

“Seeking” focuses on our heart intelligence center. This is more than asking; it is an exploration of what will be most meaningful, authentic and satisfy/answer our heart’s emotions and desires.

Namuth_-_PollockTo “knock” involves our body/gut intelligence center. It requires physical movement, one where we take action. Asking and seeking are essential (head and heart centers), however they would be incomplete without knocking (gut/body center). One of the exemplars in my book, Jackson Pollock knocked on a different artistic door– by painting vertically instead of horizontally– he broke convention with his gut centered creativity.

In my worldview, it’s good to pray and seek God, but if I do not also act in faith, all is for naught. It’s no accident Jesus said we should love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (all three intelligence centers). We know a universal law is, “we reap what we sow.” This is true in many world views,  including the Buddhist Law of Karma and in the Holy Qur’an.  In Hinduism, Karma is a causality system where beneficial effects are derived from past beneficial actions and harmful effects from past harmful actions.

Mute Swan, Loch Ard, Trossachs

Mute Swan, Loch Ard, Trossachs

When considering our creative pursuits it starts with asking and seeking– but ultimately it is about what we do, our executions, that eventually comes back to us in a transformed state. As a writer I am prolific in the “asking” mode with many questions (regarding my subject), which leads to intense and pleasurable researching, which in turn can lead me down wild goose chases…  leaving my manuscript deserted of words for weeks or months. Or perhaps if I’ve shifted to the “seeking” mode, such as moving from nonfiction writing  to “seeking” to do a fictional allegory for my next book– then I hit the wall. Major obstacle, overwhelmed. I am inexperienced in this style of writing and doubt my abilities.

I can stay stuck “seeking”  and “asking” how to overcome obstacle(s) or I can KNOCK. Bang away by JUST WRITING, fully expecting my lack of confidence obstacle will transform into a door! A door which is the portal for me to write it my way. Its no time to be suffocating on my doubts and weak-kneed. I write in faith, which means pounding on that door boldly. If that door is not the portal for me, than I’ll pound on another door (idea) with my ideas in order to best tell my story. Because I have been asking and seeking, I believe the door will be opened for me. The process is cyclical, involving asking, seeking and knocking.

knocking-on-heavens-door024

Creativity is not static, routine, repetitious or dull  but is dynamic (involves many doors) and all three of our intelligence centers. The “knocking” will eventually open the right door and bring the “aha” moment needed for clarity.

What about you– do you find yourself doing more asking, seeking or knocking?

Thank you for reading my post. I am an organizational and business consultant living in the mountains of Santa Fe, New Mexico with my husband and dogs. My core message of everyone is creative resonates with people of all ages and walks of life. I invite all to become the best version of themselves and find true meaning by pursing long term creative quests.

Read more in my book: The Three Sources of Creativity: Breakthroughs from Your Head, Heart and Gut

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7 thoughts on ““Ask, Seek and Knock”: uses all 3 intelligence centers

  1. Ian

    Good solid advice Betsy, from a fan of being more creative. Here is a famous quote by Goethe, which supports your “Knocking” phase and which has been so influential in my own life. “The moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence (read God) moves too. All sorts of things occur to help what would never otherwise have occurred….. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it…..Begin it now.”

    Reply
    1. admin Post author

      Hi Ian,
      I love your Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quote! I have a personal connection to him as my German husband, Wolfgang is named after him. His mom was so taken by the poet that she named her three children after him. Her two daughters were named after his wife and the other after his mistress! Ah well, thanks for the wonderful post and now you know my funny story.

      Reply
    2. admin Post author

      Ian,
      You quoted Goethe yesterday. My friend Kathy was busy being creative and posted these cards she made yesterday in real time– very cool!! Katthy's cards

      Reply
    3. admin Post author

      Lynne from Oakland, CA sent pictures yesterday when she got my blog post. She says downtown Oakland has undergone a huge renovation – many artists
      have moved there since rents are so high in SF. Here are some mural pictures she snapped of the downtown area, thanks Lynne! Downtown Oakland mural pictures
      Mural picture2
      mural 3

      Reply
  2. Susan A. Schneider

    This is great! I looked at the picture of the blue flowers and knew Kathy did it before I even read that she did. I definitely need to do a lot more knocking. Am always asking; inspiration comes. God’s help and guidance always feels like a light in your heart. Thank you Betsy. Love, Sue

    Reply
    1. admin Post author

      Thanks Sue– Inspiration indeed comes in so many forms!
      Look at this submission from Jamie, back from Pakistan where his family owns a farm. He took this picture of the sugar trucks on their way for delivery. Jamie says Pakistani’s take great pride in their trucks. And it is not just the owner of the truck, everyone involved in the harvest partakes in decorating. They are highly customized, decoration can include: structural changes, paintings, calligraphy, mirror work and very detailed wooden carvings. Wow, they deliver that sugar in style– thanks Jamie!
      Pakistani sugar trucks
      Pakistan truck
      Filled to the top

      Reply

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