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The Practice of Living with Contradictions
One of the many traits of Leonardo da Vinci’s genius was his ability to “hold the tension of opposites, to embrace uncertainty, ambiguity, and paradox.” In Michael Gelb’s book How to Think like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day, Gelb devotes a chapter on how da Vinci explored contradictions in life as a way of cultivating his critical thinking.
One of the many contradictions we are faced with in our personal and work lives have to do with relationships with people and the clash of our values in situations we are faced with. A book entitled The Second Half of Life by Angeles Arrien, a cultural anthropologist, explores these contradictions in our human condition. The practice is to “befriend” these contradictions, not unlike what da Vinci experienced.
Here are a few contradictions that you may relate to. Ask yourself, “How can I be present with both?”
Can I be While still remaining
Angry at someone Loving toward this person
Against an idea or plan Respectful and cooperative
In agreement Firm in my own convictions
Emotionally involved Intellectually clear
Able to see the worst possibilities Hopeful
Afraid Capable of acting
Respectful and yielding Firm in my own beliefs
Both sides are present and neither negates the other. The challenge is to live with both because they are present.
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