I was talking with our housekeeper Fany this morning about an earthquake that hit Honduras the day before. In a non-negative way, she was saying how this is just another example of all that is happening in the world today. I made a joke, something to the effect of “El fin del mundo esta muy cerca!”
She sort of shrugged and mentioned that she does think the end of the world may be not too far out. The next thing she said was what struck me. She said this belief makes it easier for her to live each day to the fullest. The feeling that the world is a crazy, unstable place meant for her a greater sense of calm and day-to-day optimism.
While I don’t agree about a pending cataclysmic event, it does make sense why these two seemingly opposite mind sets actually interplay so well. I can see how a doomsday philosophy could simultaneously someone a more passionate, optimistic person. This exchange is also a perfect illustration of the power of an optimistic mind set. A negative person would let a doomsday belief translate to apathy and cynicism, while an optimistic person works off of the belief to introduce more passion into each day.
Another lesson this teaches us the importance of being present. Living in the moment gives us some of our greatest power, yet most people are dwelling on the past and worrying about the future. In a graduation speech given in 2009, Baz Luhrman said"Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is about as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum."
All of this (both the “world is in constant flux” theme and the dichotomy concept) reminds me of a Joseph Cambell quote:
“When we talk about settling the world’s problems, we’re barking up the wrong tree. The world is perfect. It’s a mess. It has always been a mess. We are not going to change it. Our job is to straighten out our own lives.”
The more I experience life the more I come across the wisdom of dichotomies.
If we start to embrace the imperfection in the world and in our lives, then we achieve a peacefulness and detachment that allows us to flow through life with ease.
Written on 7/8/2009 by Kit Cooper. Kit serves as executive director for Best Life Practices Foundation. The website shares quality of life best practices discovered from in-person interviews with well known types like Richard Branson and Tom Skerritt to lesser known but equally interesting individuals. Kit also writes at www.bestlifepractices.org/blog.
Per Ola Wiberg
The Power of Dichotomies in our Quality of Life
