Balancing the Paradoxes

Life is a paradox…. Life will present us with situations and contradictions where we feel polar-opposite emotions. We've all probably heard people say how a tragic event such as an illness or a near death experience was the worst experience of their life; but also, the best thing that could’ve ever happen to them.  Another example is childbirth. Most parents will say it was a terrifying experience but at the same time an amazing and miraculous one…right parents? Once you have children you are in a whirlwind of paradoxical emotions. There’re tons of examples, I'm sure you are thinking of one right now.  

WE are a paradox. We are energy in constant change, in constant motion. Spiritual beings, going through e-motions! What we may perceive as a good character trait (which of course could be), can also be our doom.  What may seem as a bad trait or flaw (can be a dis-service) or can be an unrecognized gift. For example, being sensitive has often been characterized as being weak and too emotional (as if we could avoid feeling), qualities that are frowned upon among our competitive society. However, sensitivity can be a blessing. Sensitive people can be more observant and connect well with others. They can pick up quickly on other’s feelings - Leading to more empathy and paying closer attention to our intuition. 

Fear and anxiety are other examples. We all have heard “face your fears”. Fears can push us to the next level, or it can stunt us. Anxiety…. well, I believe we all have a level of anxiety in us. Without some level of anxiety, our fight or flight response (our danger notification) would not alert us of danger. We can grow from fear or we are set back and drown in it.

 We naturally strive for balance in our lives. We are human, however a perfect balance will never be reached. We will always have contradiction. Thankfully our bodies tell us when we are not aligned, when we are unbalanced, we just need to pay attention. Therefore the “balance” for us lies within the practice, a life-long practice of self-awareness. Catching those moments and paying attention to them is where the hard work and where the magic is. It's a push and pull. Our experiences are teachable moments. This is where it makes a difference in our lives, where the change can happen. Where the paradoxes are more acceptable and comfortable. When we find our rhythm to the paradoxes of life - that is where we will feel balance and more serene.