Contradictions as the Path

". . to experience contradictions not as impediments to the spiritual life but an integral part of them. The contradictions of life are not accidental. Nor do they result from inept living. They are inherent in human nature and in the circumstances that surround our lives." —Parker J. Palmer

When we claim our contradictions and difficulties as part of our humanness and as integral parts of our spiritual and interpersonal journey, we turn difficulties into something workable. This is what I so love about living life from the inside out, and this is what ultimately empowers us: Everything that shows up in life is workable material. Nothing is exempt. We get to discover the promise of paradox for ourselves and have powerful and meaningful experiences based on our own stumblings and discoveries.

Consider this Buddhist teaching: As long as you are stumbling, do your best to stumble forward.

Turning contradictions into paradoxes in one way to stumble forward.

With some contradictions, it may take a little inner work to recognize their paradoxical nature. Other contradictions rattle us to our core. When we experience contradictions, we need the support of a strong spiritual or psychological practice as well as the encouragement of others who may hold space for us as we discover our own inner knowings. Bottom line—no matter what the breadth of the contradiction, its arrival can be a time to find the inherent paradox within it. Contradictions are rich with opportunity.

Parker invites us to “refuse to flee from the tension” of such pivotal moments and instead “allow that tension to occupy the center of our lives.”

Our curious and receptive mind, in a world full of contradictions, can be a mighty anchor.

As she walked

on land, tilted skyward,

head firmly in clouds,

feet afloat on firm ground, so could she hear

in the in-between, all at once and

distinct, the jet plane and the cricket. – Rebecca Cecchini, poet

More on this and Taken from: Julie Tallard Johnson & Parker J Palmer. The Clue of the Red Thread: Discovering Fearlessness and Compassion in Uncertain Times . Shanti Arts Publishing.