Learning to Appreciate Life as Paradox

Paradox: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be true    -Dictionary.com

Yin and yang can be thought of as complementary (rather than opposing) forces that interact to form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the assembled parts. According to this philosophy, everything has both yin and yang aspects (for instance, shadow cannot exist without light).     -Wikipedia

I've been thinking lately how so much of life is a paradox-- how I need my down-time but also need to work...how I need moments of alone time but also time with others...and how I crave healthy food but even more some good ol' junk food! 

I grew up thinking I was a wretched sinner but in my early adult years started thinking of myself as holy and perfect. Now... I realize that both are true. Thinking of either identity as an absolute would create problems, causing me to be either depressed from my self-loathing OR arrogant from my oblivious piety. 

Thus, Balance. Balance is a key to living a happy and satisfied life. Too much of just about anything will not serve you well for any duration. Even too much of a good thing get boring after a while. 

I really don't like winter. I (dare I say it) HATE the cold! But without the cold weather would I know what warm weather is? Without the earthy taste of celery juice I would not be able to appreciate that  piece of my mom's tasty pumpkin pie (mmmmmmmmmm)!!! 

So, I've been trying to appreciate the stuff I don't enjoy....yes, EVEN WINTER. It isn't easy and I still find myself complaining, but I'm starting to appreciate how these so-called "opposites" create a balance. What I label as "bad" actually points out the "good." Thus, I need both. Balance...Paradox....Yin & Yang.

So are you a saint or a good person? Yes. Are you a sinner or a bad seed? Yes, the answer is BOTH. These seemingly contradictory statements somehow meld together to both be true; they are not mutually exclusive. All a person must do is think about her past life choices....choices made to be extremely proud of... but also choices that caused deep regret. This is okay. This is the life of all human beings.

Well then I suppose it is true that I actually do love the cold weather and the winter season. It must be true because of my lust for the sunshine and warmth. Without the winter I couldn't truly love and appreciate summertime.

Hopefully this rambling of mine will help you appreciate the stuff in life that you detest. If nothing else, I hope it lessens your disgust for winter at least just a little bit :). Next time you find yourself complaining about something or even someone, try seeing that this seemingly negative situation is all part of the paradox...the yin & yang of life. We need the bad along with the good to create that balance that enables us to truly appreciate the good. Enjoy the balance because it is a beautiful part of the human experience.