"Take away paradox from the thinker and you have a professor."~Soren Kierkegaard
Happy Monday, ! I hope you had a great weekend.
The last few weeks we have looked at how to make lasting changes once we realize that personal change is way harder than we
thought. So far we have examined some ways to become more consciously aware:
Today we examine the importance of being conscious of paradox.
Paradox is not just an odd set of circumstances, it is a rhythm and lens through which we can see the world (in this
case, see our problems).
Paradox goes against conventional wisdom. Paradox zags when the herd zigs, it's counter intuitive.
Paradox resolves competing tensions into a higher third thing. Without paradox our thinking de-evolves into "either-or"
duality.
Paradox is the realm of spirituality. It is not the denial of rational thought but it's expansion to consider non-physical realities.
So much of Jesus' teaching were paradoxical. He taught that if we wanted to be great, we need to first serve others. If we wanted to possess something, we begin by giving it away. If we wanted to preserve our lives, we begin by sacrificing them.
In fact the meta-narrative of the whole world is that new life always comes from a sacrifice or a death.It's the messianic signature in all things.
So when it comes to our problems. The common approach is to modify behavior because it is assumed that the liar is not getting better if he or she is still telling lies. (yes, you will probably need to re-read that)
Confused? The
tension you feel is dualistic thinking. "Either a person lies or they don't right?"
What if we actually need our problems to get better? What if the immediate eradication of our problems robs us of the opportunity to become our best self? What if the design is to gain strength through struggle? What if our problems were not derailments or set backs, but necessary opponents, even school teachers that we must study under?
If these
questions have provoked your interest. Then welcome to the wisdom of paradox. Welcome to the spiritual realities of life. Welcome to how you will too will get better.
I want to thank Mark Wells and his graphic talent for helping with this early cover design. The subtitle reads: "The Event Horizon for the Biggest Thing In The Universe." I'm excited for the progress so far.
If you want to read the first three chapters you can click the link
below, or contact me if you want to read beyond that.
Be sure to sign up for your free copy.
"I help people who who want to understand
spirituality to make sense of religious experience, so they can clearly see God in the world."
~Keven Winder, PhD
For coaching, questions or comments: keven@kevenwinder.com
