A Life of Opposites

A Life of Opposites

A teacher once said to me, “Do the opposite of what you think you should be doing, and you’ll be closer to the truth.”  When you look at the quote carefully, one could easily surmise that it is our thoughts that betray the truth.  In studying other teachers that I follow I have discovered a similar theme in their messages as well. 

“Be wary of your thoughts, lest they lead you astray.”  KJ

I just came up with that maxim as a way to measure my thoughts, as I would a dose of medicine.  When I manage my thoughts, I find that I am more productive then when they manage me.  Take the thought, “I’ll do it when I feel like it.”   If I don’t get to managing that thought, pretty soon I won’t feel like doing anything!  In having faith in my teachers, and employing their lesson, I experiment with the opposite thought.  “I’ll feel like it when I do it!”  For those of us that identify and are out of balance with our feelings, this simple exercise of changing the way you think can be quite challenging. 

Dr. Wayne Dyer says, and I quote:  “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”  Not necessarily promoting the opposite as much as shifting perspective.  Byron Katie has built a very successful practice on the principle of the “Turn Around,” looking at things from the opposite perspective.

In a desire to operate and manage life more effectively I have found this to be a difficult, but rather rewarding practice.  Here’s a couple of more “thought patterns” (if you have any of them) to manage and “turn around,” in an effort to be more productive. .

#1  I’ll believe it when I see it.   –

                         I’ll see it when I believe it.

#2  It’s easier said then done  - 

                        It’s done easier then said

#3  When I understand the purpose, I’ll take action  - 

                                    Take action and the purpose will be understood

Challenging our thoughts and beliefs, and practicing opposite patterns of behavior doesn’t have to lead to confusion.  It can lead to greater understanding, growth and maximizing our potential.  

Kenna James