Things may change, especially my perspective, and then the energy which I am in subsequently might alter also, radiating out for the better, depending on how wide my arms and heart can open up. Thank you for this question, dear Grateful-Team.
I gain the knowledge that (horror!) I can be wrong about the way I view a person, place, thing or situation. Paradoxically, anything (positive or negative) that impels me to greater self-knowledge and /or new behaviour is a blessing.
I have been pondering this a lot lately. I have a lot of thoughts, but I feel like they might best be summed up by this poem by Lewis Jenkins (and maybe just one quick note from me):
“When you are in town, wearing some kind of uniform is helpful, policeman, priest, etc.. Driving a tank is very impressive, or a car with official lettering on the side. If that isn’t to your taste you could join the revolution, wear an armband, carry a homemade flag tied to a broom handle, or a placard bearing an incendiary slogan. At the very least you should wear a suit and carry a briefcase and a cell phone, or wear a team jacket and a baseball cap and carry a cell phone. If you go into the woods, the back country, someplace past all human habitation, it is a good idea to wear orange and carry a gun, or, depending on the season, carry a fishing pole, or a camera with a big lens. Otherwise it might appear that you have no idea what you are doing, that you are merely wandering the earth, no particular reason for being here, no particular place to go.”
I perseverate so much on reconciling paradoxes in my mind, but I doubt that anyone can. Accepting that let’s me relax and bring more joy to my life.
I think it is important to have the mindset that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes things happen that you may not like or cause pain, but it is essential to understand that these instances are a part of life. I like to think of difficult times as a way to grow because life will sometimes knock you down, and the real test is seeing how you bounce back after tough times. I know that I struggle to cope and bounce back from instances like these, but I always try to tell myself that I can only control what I can control and that whatever else happens is not something to get worked up over.
I’m not sure I’m embracing the paradoxes,
but I am working on accepting them.
When I can do that, my perspective changes,
from something that happens to me,
to something that is happening.
And I exhale.
hmmm– after gaining some insights by reading the forgoing reflections, the wheels started to turn.
If I allow myself to be mindful of when a paradox has made itself known, then doubt arises.
Should I believe what I am thinking? Is this a problem looking for a solution? Should I Let it be, see what happens next.
I first read the dictionary meaning of paradox. “A statement that seems contrary to common sense and yet is perhaps true” (Merriam-Webster). The caveat for me “Yet Is Perhaps True”. That opens the possibility that it may be false. Investigation may need to come first before embracement of a paradox. A classic cartoon double take of sorts.
Personal peace, acceptance and gratitude of what I have and for the opportunity of being alive. Knowing that all experiences are like water passing under a bridge thus live in the moment and the present.
I decided long ago that paradox is almost always a sign of a deeper truth so when it appears in my life, I embrace it and allow it to be my teacher. As psychiatrist and author Sheldon Kopp wrote many years ago: “As the saying goes, man must have two pockets into which he can reach at one time or another according to his need. In his right pocket he must keep the words:”For my sake was the world created.” And in his left pocket: “I am dust and ashes.” Paradox reminds me of the need for responsibility (the ability to respond not react to what life is offering me NOW) and the humility to respond with compassion for myself and others. Creation is One. Healthy mutual relationship is to always be sought.
This sounds like a “stop, look, go”, re. Br. David, type o of question. I assume “paradox” is meant to be an umbrella for transition and discomfort. I can’t pretend I want more discomfort. But, I’m reminded of Rumi’s The Guesthouse, “…meet them at the door laughing. They may be clearing you out for a new delight.”
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Hopefully time to pause, reflect and learn and move on. Never to dwell on what is negative since it is unhealthy to do so.
Things may change, especially my perspective, and then the energy which I am in subsequently might alter also, radiating out for the better, depending on how wide my arms and heart can open up. Thank you for this question, dear Grateful-Team.
I gain the knowledge that (horror!) I can be wrong about the way I view a person, place, thing or situation. Paradoxically, anything (positive or negative) that impels me to greater self-knowledge and /or new behaviour is a blessing.
I have been pondering this a lot lately. I have a lot of thoughts, but I feel like they might best be summed up by this poem by Lewis Jenkins (and maybe just one quick note from me):
“When you are in town, wearing some kind of uniform is helpful, policeman, priest, etc.. Driving a tank is very impressive, or a car with official lettering on the side. If that isn’t to your taste you could join the revolution, wear an armband, carry a homemade flag tied to a broom handle, or a placard bearing an incendiary slogan. At the very least you should wear a suit and carry a briefcase and a cell phone, or wear a team jacket and a baseball cap and carry a cell phone. If you go into the woods, the back country, someplace past all human habitation, it is a good idea to wear orange and carry a gun, or, depending on the season, carry a fishing pole, or a camera with a big lens. Otherwise it might appear that you have no idea what you are doing, that you are merely wandering the earth, no particular reason for being here, no particular place to go.”
I perseverate so much on reconciling paradoxes in my mind, but I doubt that anyone can. Accepting that let’s me relax and bring more joy to my life.
I feel an expanded awareness emerges which brings with it acceptance and flow.
I think it is important to have the mindset that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes things happen that you may not like or cause pain, but it is essential to understand that these instances are a part of life. I like to think of difficult times as a way to grow because life will sometimes knock you down, and the real test is seeing how you bounce back after tough times. I know that I struggle to cope and bounce back from instances like these, but I always try to tell myself that I can only control what I can control and that whatever else happens is not something to get worked up over.
I’m not sure I’m embracing the paradoxes,
but I am working on accepting them.
When I can do that, my perspective changes,
from something that happens to me,
to something that is happening.
And I exhale.
hmmm– after gaining some insights by reading the forgoing reflections, the wheels started to turn.
If I allow myself to be mindful of when a paradox has made itself known, then doubt arises.
Should I believe what I am thinking? Is this a problem looking for a solution? Should I Let it be, see what happens next.
Great insight. Thank you!
🙂
Perspective, acceptance, gratitude.
Obstacles/problems begin to diminish in size or importance. I am able to see opportunities and move beyond.
I first read the dictionary meaning of paradox. “A statement that seems contrary to common sense and yet is perhaps true” (Merriam-Webster). The caveat for me “Yet Is Perhaps True”. That opens the possibility that it may be false. Investigation may need to come first before embracement of a paradox. A classic cartoon double take of sorts.
Personal peace, acceptance and gratitude of what I have and for the opportunity of being alive. Knowing that all experiences are like water passing under a bridge thus live in the moment and the present.
I decided long ago that paradox is almost always a sign of a deeper truth so when it appears in my life, I embrace it and allow it to be my teacher. As psychiatrist and author Sheldon Kopp wrote many years ago: “As the saying goes, man must have two pockets into which he can reach at one time or another according to his need. In his right pocket he must keep the words:”For my sake was the world created.” And in his left pocket: “I am dust and ashes.” Paradox reminds me of the need for responsibility (the ability to respond not react to what life is offering me NOW) and the humility to respond with compassion for myself and others. Creation is One. Healthy mutual relationship is to always be sought.
This sounds like a “stop, look, go”, re. Br. David, type o of question. I assume “paradox” is meant to be an umbrella for transition and discomfort. I can’t pretend I want more discomfort. But, I’m reminded of Rumi’s The Guesthouse, “…meet them at the door laughing. They may be clearing you out for a new delight.”
Thanks for mentioning the poem- love it!
I hadn’t read that poem yet. Thank you for sending me off to find it–definitely added depth to my thinking about this question.
Your reference to that Rumi poem makes this daily question make sense to me. Thanks.
I have the same reaction, Maeve. Thanks, Avril.
Life opens to endless opportunities and possibilities when I embrace the inevitable paradoxes.