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Embracing contradictions and fostering an open-minded and flexible approach can help resolve conflicts constructively, leading to a harmonious and fulfilling life.
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. As we try to manage our careers and families, understanding how to resolve conflicts constructively can bring peace and balance to all aspects of our lives. Let’s explore how embracing contradictions can help us achieve this.
Embracing Contradictions Is Natural
Have you ever wondered how two opposite ideas can coexist peacefully? The universe itself is based on the coexistence of contradictions. For example, according to quantum physics, all objects can be both particles and waves simultaneously. This principle applies to life as well; living is a form of dying, as each day we live, we move closer to death.
Accepting opposing views and beliefs also comes naturally to our brains. They have the capability to accommodate and reconcile seemingly incompatible values and phenomena. Our brains, and our very nature, also tend to want to help others. The desire to help is as fundamental as the need for food or sex. This drive exists beyond individual personality or ego. No special talent or skill is needed to resolve contradictory ideas—simply accepting and choosing this noble consciousness awakens the brain’s latent potential for harmonious coexistence.
Accepting Opposing Views Is Crucial for Peaceful Conflict Resolution
Although embracing opposing views and beliefs is natural, choosing to do it is crucial. When we view contradictions as irreconcilable, we set ourselves up for conflict. We’re choosing to limit our perceptions. But we can make a different choice: by accepting that differences can coexist, we can foster greater understanding and problem-solving within our families and communities.
When we accept the coexistence of contradictions, ours becomes a world where apparently contradictory things can exist together—an open world where we acknowledge and appreciate others. Far from being situations in which we must defeat the other side to win, contradictions are challenges and opportunities to seek wiser answers that benefit all.
Start with Accepting Everyone’s Right to Exist
Before we try to accept opposing ideas, we can work on accepting something more fundamental–the right of each of us to exist, and then the right of all of us to have our own ideas. Countless people exist in this world, people with different thoughts, different lifestyles, different skin colors, different tastes, and different political beliefs. Acknowledging they have a right to exist in this world the same as anyone—no more and no less—is the key to resolving conflicts.
Practical Advice for Conflict Resolution
- Stay Flexible: Helping the people in our circles embrace contradictions with us can help them manage their emotions better, understanding that it’s possible to feel both joy and sadness simultaneously.
- Open Our Minds: Encourage ourselves and each other to accept that differing views can coexist. This promotes harmonious group dynamics and resolves conflicts through mutual respect and understanding.
- Cultivate Wisdom: Highlight the brain’s capacity to reconcile incompatible values. This can inspire us to seek inclusive solutions to problems, leading to more balanced decision-making.
- Know Our Core Values: When our cores are solid and we know who we really are, like a tree with strong roots that can sway with the breeze, we are less likely to feel threatened by people or views that are different from ours.
- Question Existing Information: Instead of digging in our heals, we can look beyond our existing information to find new insights and solutions that would work better for everyone.
- Practice Forgiveness and Gratitude: View conflicts as opportunities for practicing forgiveness and gratitude, which can align us with our true selves, who naturally tend toward peaceful coexistence.
By embracing contradictions and fostering an open-minded and flexible approach, you can resolve conflicts more effectively, leading to a harmonious and fulfilling life.
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2 Comments. Leave new
Great article and we really have someone who is confident on things that they might be in their army so really good thank you
Resolving conflicts with irreconcilable differences can be extremely challenging and difficult. I am not sure if embracing contradictions is the best approach to solving conflicts because humans can be so manipulative, selfish and cruel. There has to be an in between way whereby both contradictions can be embraced and at the same time strictly guard against manipulation and abuse.