Dealing with Contradiction

No Limits | The Freedom Blog™

Dealing with Contradiction

Written by Steven Griggs | stevengriggs.com

  

“In formal logic, a contradiction is the signal of defeat, but in the evolution of real knowledge it marks the first step in progress toward a victory”

Alfred North Whitehead

“Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find one of them is wrong”

Ayn Rand

We all have moments of doubt and despair.

From time to time we may find ourselves falling into a deep funk. You know, those times when you lose sight of the good in your life and melt into a heap of self-pity and sadness.

I am not talking about clinical depression. That type of depression is much more serious than the feelings I am talking about.

What I am talking about a temporary side trip into a negative mindset.

What causes this?

Contradiction.

It is always caused by a contradiction of what we were expecting and what we received.

You were expecting this and you got that.

You wanted “x” and you got “y”

You may say, but I’m sad because I am splitting up with my wife or husband or I lost my job and now I don’t know what to do.

You may say these are not contradictions, they are negative events.

Experiencing a negative event is not actually what is happening because there really are no positive or negative events.

There is only the opinion of the event as interpreted by our ego personality. Our ego mind does not like any type of change, so anything that brings change or even threatens to bring change is seen as a negative event.

It wants status-quo at all times.

How can we sort out the feelings that our ego mind lays on us?

If you are feeling despondent, depressed or funky look at what could be causing the feeling.

 Look underneath the feeling.

What has happened that could be the contradiction? What is a recent event that you could be interpreting as “negative”?

If you can get to the source of the feeling, the next step is to think it through.

What really happened?

For example, if you lost your job did it really come out of the blue? Is it really a total surprise? And if you say yes, is there something you may have missed? Maybe you knew changes were coming but you chose to ignore them. Or maybe you were just cruising along on auto pilot, comfortable and confident because “these things happen to other people…”?

Either way you will have all kinds of reactions- shock, surprise, anger, indignation…, fear.

But what has really happened?

Nothing.

You weren't instantly transported to a life living like a troll under a bridge somewhere. You are still right where you were. The only thing that has changed is you won’t get up in the morning and go to your old job.

That may seem daunting and scary for many people. But if they could let you go so easily doesn't that tell you something?  If it wasn't now it would be later. What kind of security is that? They had your loyalty but obviously you didn't have theirs.

So forget that job. You now have time to find a better job or better yet, forget working for unappreciative people and start your own business.

My point is that the underlying thing that’s happening here is fear, fear of change. Yes, change can be scary but remember the universe is all about change. Sometimes we have to be kicked in the rear to wake up, to understand that it’s time to make a left turn, it’s time for a new career.

But no matter what the event is, it involves some form of contradiction. Yes, many times the event is painful and one that may require major adjustments and it will take time to recover.

And yes it’s hard to remember to look for opportunity when you are in pain.

But the pain will pass and soon you will be more open to seeing the new possibilities. Eventually you will look back on the experience from a more solid place and realize that all is well.

So whenever you feel sad, hurt or funky, review recent events and try to see what has happened, what is the contradiction?

Once you identify the event, analyze it, accept it and change your opinion of it. It is neither good nor bad. It just means it’s time to turn left, it’s time to change.

Look for the opportunity revealed within the changes. Look through the event and try to see what’s possible on the other side, what door is being opened?

Stay centered. Don’t collapse into self-pity. Take walks outside, meditate, talk to a close friend or counselor but also get moving.

Try to see the opportunity revealed within the changes.

And step forward.

www.stevengriggs.com