Dialectics is the balancing of opposites while entering the paradox of “yes” and “no”, “true” and “not true” at the very same time. We know that the universe is filled with opposing ideas and opposing forces, meaning that there is always more than one way to see a situation, and more than one way to solve a problem. While it can be difficult to see at times, two things that seem like opposites can both be true. When I think about how this may present, I can see that we can be by ourselves AND still be connected to others. We can be with others AND still be lonely. We can be mad at someone AND love and respect the person. We can disagree with rules AND follow the rules. We can be independent AND want help. The ways in which we experience the world around each of us are all valid, though they are all different. The way a given situation impacts each of us individually is going to be different, but again, is valid.
When we look at the world through this lens, we also become aware of the fact that we are all connected and can step away from black and white thinking. The way we treat one another impacts the individual person, but then it also impacts their family, their co-workers, the person at the grocery store, gas station or anyone they come into contact with. What we do influences our environment and other people in it and in turn the environment and other people influence us. The stress of the holiday season, covid, finances, etc. can impact the way we hold ourselves, but I wonder if we can all turn inwards and acknowledge the ability to be stressed or overwhelmed AND grateful. To be excited about a covid vaccine AND defeated about not knowing when we will receive it. To be excited for the holidays AND feel upset that traditions may not look the same as other years. Despite all these opposing forces, how can we support the positive ripple effect in our families, communities and places of work?
What I am trying to get at here is that we can feel the challenging emotions but also acknowledge the other side. We can feel positive emotions and acknowledge the difficult feelings. If you are inherently a positive person and find it easy to look on the bright side, then it may be more challenging to see the challenging emotions lying beneath the surface. Conversely, if you are more prone to feel challenging emotions, it may be difficult to see the positive side of things. Regardless, it is difficult for all of us to “walk the middle path” and hold space for both. But when we try, we can live whole-heartedly and have empathy for one another and our varying perspectives.