In the past, my understanding of the factors contributing to my anxiety was limited, leaving me uncertain about its underlying causes. I was always lost in the reasons for why I was bothered both physically and mentally. However, a significant shift has occurred as I now find myself gaining the ability to pinpoint the specific triggers that ignite my anxiety. This newfound awareness, paradoxically, adds an additional layer of unease to my experience. I am faced with a dilemma: on one hand, I strive to avoid these triggers, attempting to shield myself from the resulting anxiety they provoke. On the other hand, I realize the importance of exposing myself to these discomforting situations and gradually working through them. This approach has proven more effective than ever before, contrasting my earlier years when exposure therapy might have exacerbated my worries, exacerbating my flight-or-fight response in times of conflict, distress, but more often, calm.
However, it is crucial for me to continually convince myself that facing these anxiety-inducing situations will not have fatal consequences. In my younger days, the mere possibility of facing mortal danger evoked a peculiar sense of excitement within me. That same excitement is a genuinely unsettling prospect that creates immense anxiety and panic. It requires a mental shift wherein I must confront the fear that accompanies self-preservation and reassure myself that navigating through anxiety will ultimately promote my well-being. This process demands ongoing dedication and perseverance as I reshape my relationship with fear and embrace a healthier approach to self-care.
Dichotomous thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking or binary thinking, is a cognitive tendency or pattern of thought that involves perceiving the world in terms of absolute opposites or mutually exclusive categories. It is a simplified way of viewing complex situations, issues, or concepts by dividing them into only two extreme and opposing possibilities, without acknowledging or considering any middle ground or nuances.
In dichotomous thinking, things are often categorized as either “good” or “bad,” “right” or “wrong,” “success” or “failure,” with little room for shades of gray or alternative perspectives. It operates on the assumption that there are only two mutually exclusive options, leaving no space for multiple perspectives, complexities, or overlapping qualities.
Dichotomous thinking can be useful in certain situations that require clear decision-making or immediate action. For example, when faced with a danger, it is crucial to quickly determine whether to fight or flee. However, when applied excessively or rigidly to complex matters, dichotomous thinking can lead to distorted perceptions and limited understanding.
For many of us recognizing this pattern of thought can be the first step towards developing a more nuanced and flexible mindset, where multiple perspectives and shades of gray can be considered. Embracing complexity and seeking to understand the various dimensions of a situation can lead to more balanced judgments and decision-making.
Have you ever witnessed a more split time? Sure, we can point to other eras that had issues. I would argue that we are at a point human and technological evolution have never been at. The age of information is new for us and we are all still learning how to adapt. So many of us are struggling to do just that.
In a world where this type of thinking is prevalent what is the answer? That is an ancient secrets that we just keep hearing about yet it eluded us for so long. The concept of Yin and Yang is a fundamental principle in Chinese philosophy and represents the complementary and interconnected nature of opposites. It is rooted in the ancient Chinese belief system and is widely applied in various disciplines, including Taoism, traditional Chinese medicine, feng shui, and martial arts.
Yin and Yang are two opposing forces or energies that exist in all aspects of life and the universe. They are seen as dynamic and interconnected rather than static or absolute. Yin represents the feminine, passive, receptive, and introspective qualities, while Yang represents the masculine, active, assertive, and outward qualities. Yin and Yang are not considered as opposing or conflicting forces but rather as complementary and interdependent aspects that exist in a constant state of flux and balance.
The concept is often depicted by the Yin-Yang symbol, known as the Taijitu, which consists of a circle divided into two swirling halves – one black (Yin) and the other white (Yang). Within each half, there is a small dot of the opposite color, representing the seed of its counterpart, suggesting that nothing is entirely Yin or entirely Yang, and they contain elements of each other. It is crucial to bear in mind that the common depiction of Yin and Yang is static, often presented as an unchanging image. However, a more comprehensive understanding would arise if we imagine it on a pinwheel that can be spun. This dynamic visualization would offer greater insight into the concept of allowing both Yin and Yang to flow, thus facilitating the dissipation of dichotomous processes and thoughts.
The interaction between Yin and Yang is characterized by the principles of harmony, balance, and continual transformation. They are not static entities but rather exist in a state of constant interplay and mutual influence. The balance between Yin and Yang is believed to be essential for overall well-being and harmony in all aspects of life, including health, relationships, nature, and society. Imbalances or excesses of Yin or Yang can lead to disharmony and are often sought to be corrected through various practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, meditation, and lifestyle adjustments.
The concept of Yin and Yang encourages embracing and understanding the interconnectedness of opposing forces and recognizing their mutual dependence. It offers a holistic perspective on the nature of existence and provides a framework for achieving balance and harmony in both the internal and external aspects of life.
From this I have to imagine that this has all been my introduction to my way. I was very black and white, dichotomy ripped me apart and split my mind. I become more aware of the union and harmony of dichotomies is where I start to see heaven. That my wisdom is starting to supersede the impermanence and diversity of my worries.
In other words: As my awareness grows regarding the union and harmony of dichotomies, I find that my wisdom is surpassing the fleeting and varied nature of my worries. It is imperative to continue deepening our wisdom and understandings, gradually overshadowing the fleeting and varied nature of our worries. As wisdom grows, it empowers us to transcend the transitory and ever-changing nature of worries, recognizing them as temporary and diverse manifestations of the human experience.
By acknowledging the impermanence of worries, one can cultivate a mindset that embraces change and sees challenges as opportunities for growth. This shift in perspective allows for a greater sense of inner stability and resilience. Rather than being overwhelmed by worries, one can approach them with a deeper understanding and a more detached outlook.
Our wisdom is now becoming a guiding force, enabling us to navigate through the complexities of our worries with greater clarity and equanimity. It signifies a shift from being consumed by worries to a state of inner strength and empowerment.
Our personal evolution, which unfolds within our lifetime, is marked by the emergence of wisdom and the capacity to transcend the transient nature of worries. This transformation empowers us to cultivate inner peace, stability, and resilience when confronted with life’s challenges. A meaningful way for me to contribute to positive change in the world is by rectifying my own disordered thought processes and extending support to others on their individual journeys. This is how we contribute to society and collectively shape a better world. By offering support and understanding to one another’s evolution and growth, we foster an environment of mutual progress and advancement.
As we deepen our awareness of the union and harmony within opposing forces, we discover that our wisdom transcends the ephemeral and diverse nature of our worries. We hold the power to determine what we cling to and for how long. The essence of impermanence patiently awaits our acknowledgement, prompting us to consciously choose to embrace it.
One cannot remain static; it is necessary to embrace the dynamic nature of life and take your turn. I can testify that simply attempting to perceive things in a more fluid manner leads to a more reciprocal embrace from your surroundings. I don’t know, this is just my spin on it.