Duality:
Learn to Control Your Dual Nature
by Nicky Rogers
We often put a tag on ourselves, accepting only some parts of our personality in order to conform to cultural norms. We accept a word like "independent" but don't realize that sometimes we should say "selfish." We might call ourselves "ambitious" without realizing that we often act "stubborn." Here is a way that can give you more insight on who you are and enable you to respond to various scenarios in your life with a better understanding of your actions. It is also useful to do this exercise while trying to see yourself in a non-restrictive manner.
1. First of all, write down three personal qualities you have which you feel good about. For example:
I am dedicated.
I am dependable.
I am good at heart.
2. Secondly, add an "alternative reality" to each of the statements. This means you should find examples of when the opposite of the initial statement is true.
Here's how it might look:
I am dedicated in a work related environment, but sometimes I can also get distracted from the task at hand.
I am dependable and trustworthy when it comes to my work place, but I can also sometimes be unreliable with my friends.
I am good at heart, but sometimes I act selfishly without regard for the feelings of others.
3. Now reverse the sentence topics, and even modify some words if you feel it helps. Starting with the negative aspects that accompany your personality will give you more insight and offer you a better perspective on these issues and your self that is not perceived by you. Here is how it may look like after the metamorphosis:
I am sometimes distracted from my work, but I am usually dedicated to my job, especially in a business environment.
My friends may find me less dependable at times, but when it comes to work I can be relie on.
I sometimes ignore the feelings of others, but I am good at heart most of the time.
Take a look at the last two lists and read them carefully for a few minutes. Don't pay attention to the topic of the sentence but try to focus on the meanings of the words. Keep in mind the purpose of this little exercise: "black" and "white" rarely define a person. By identifying your duality, you get a better chance of appreciating your actions and the responses they trigger.
You've also created a list of three qualities and three negative aspects that you believe characterize you. The first step in removing the negative characteristics was already taken -- you identified them. Now it's time to put the exercise to practical use. Next time you find yourself in a situation where a choice or decision has to be made, try to remember the exercise. Observe the particular situation from a dual point of view by acknowledging your positive features while also analyzing the attached negative parts.
And remember how to get to Carnegie Hall. Practice can lead to a natural integration of this exercise in your conscious and subconscious mind. After a while, you may not even need to make a conscious effort to analyze a situation from both perspectives -- this process will come naturally. A refreshing objectivity can appear between your positive and negative characteristics, and you can use it to make the right choices in most situations.
We are made up of Yin and Yang. Only when they are in balance is there harmony.
Click Here to share this page with your friends, website visitors, ezine readers, social followers and other online contacts.Disclaimer: Throughout this website, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these materials and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Health & Beyond Online
P.O. Box 755
Earl, NC 28038-0755Contact Us
License, Terms of Use, and Privacy PolicyClick here for Other Chet Day Websites
H&B Online and Content © 1993-2009 by Chet Day
