“So walk on air against your better judgement”
from ‘The Gravel Walks” by Seamus Heaney
Life is a journey: a metaphor we hear posited on various philosophically laden occasions. That journey is fraught with uncertainty and challenge. On that journey we come across situations, encounter times, where we are torn between rational judgment and desires. The phrase “So walk on air against your better judgement” takes on a deeper, and hopefully, spiritual, meaning.
I wonder if the poet isn’t suggesting in ‘Walking on air’ that we consider going beyond what appears to be possible or even logical. It suggests a leap of faith: embracing the unknown. Our ‘better judgment’ is our logical reasoning, the cautious side that urges us to stay within our comfort zone.
One of my personal favorite biblical passages is Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Does your heart ever hope for something that is a contradiction to our rational thinking? It might be pursuing that ‘Impossible Dream’ (with echoes of “The Man from La Mancha” intended) or embarking on a new adventure that defies conventional wisdom. In such moments, it is important to listen to the whispers of our soul and consider walking on air, even against our better judgment with a faithful confidence in what we hope for but cannot yet see.
Walking on air against our better judgment allows us to break free from limitations that might be self-imposed.
Walking on air against our better judgment provides us with the opportunity to explore uncharted territories, to push boundaries, and to discover our true potential, perhaps God’s vision for us.
Walking on air against our better judgment is that leap of faith by which we might find the most extraordinary experiences and achieve remarkable growth.
Sometimes, by defying our better judgment, we challenge the status quo and open ourselves up to new possibilities.
We learn that taking risks lead to great rewards and personal fulfillment.
We realize that the path hoped for but not yet fully seen may be the one that leads to ultimate happiness and success.
Walking on air against our better judgment does not mean acting recklessly or without considering the consequences. Rather, it is about finding a balance between our logical reasoning and our inner desires. It is about mindfully weighing the risks and rewards, and making an informed decision: one that aligns with our authentic selves.
“So walk on air against your better judgment” encourages us in our life journey to potentially, reflectively, mindfully, embrace the unknown, consider the risks, and, in hope and faith, to follow our hearts. Sometimes the most extraordinary experiences and achievements lie outside our comfort zones.
Listen to the whispers of your soul, trust your instincts, and dare to walk on air, even against your better judgment.
The Mindful Leader 