My OperaContrast – What’s It For?
Friday, December 2, 2011 3:08:57 AM
I quite often think about balance between two dimensions; the balance between order and chaos, the balance between full and sparse, and the balance between routine and variety. What’s more significant? Which extreme would I rather lean toward? What’s my natural tendency and does it help me?
Allow me to show you several examples…
Is it better to visit to the same favourite restaurant over and over, knowing exactly what you are going to order or is it better to try a different one every time, without the assurance of what you are going to order?
Is it much better to have structure and routine to your day, or is it much better to be flexible and open to whatever comes your way? Is it better to have a house loaded with things, memories, and chachkas or is it better to live sparsely without a whole lot to clean or bother with?
Is it better to have a boatload of people running in and out of your house, or is it better to have a sanctuary where you could sit back and unwind?
I realize that I always desire both and apparently, I have both. Admittedly, I don’t always have them at the most suitable times, but… when I am in the middle of experiencing one of those extremes that I wish were a little different, I am completely aware of what it is like to be in the other extreme wishing for what I'm currently experiencing.
Hence - the concept of contrast occurs. One can't appreciate pleasure, without having experienced sorrow. One cannot cherish a house full of noisy kids having a party in the basement, without remembering what it was like when the kids were at your ex’s and the house was dead quiet and empty. One can't value rigid structure and order without experiencing the work load and stress of wading through mess and disorder. One can't revel in the ease and comfort of old, worn, and ratty clothes without spending a day in a formal outfit with high heels or a tie. It is the opposite that makes us appreciate the value of what we’re living in the now.
A similar concept applies to the current experiences or situations in our lives that we are not so happy with; the career that we wish were totally different or the house that we wish were bigger. These function as the contrast we need to have for us to start to think about what things would appear like if they were better. I call it the launching pad from which amazing things and monumental achievements are born. CONTRAST.
When you realize what you do not want, start to define what you would rather have. Do it in your journal. Describe it, explain it, design it, and envision it as though it were so.
Kim Ades, MBA, President of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine™ Software, is one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management. By using her unique process of coaching through journaling, she works with clients to unveil and switch their thought patterns to ignite significant change and life transformation. Visit www.frameofmindcoaching.com to assess your frame of mind and sign up for your own free, secure, online journal.
Allow me to show you several examples…
Is it better to visit to the same favourite restaurant over and over, knowing exactly what you are going to order or is it better to try a different one every time, without the assurance of what you are going to order?
Is it much better to have structure and routine to your day, or is it much better to be flexible and open to whatever comes your way? Is it better to have a house loaded with things, memories, and chachkas or is it better to live sparsely without a whole lot to clean or bother with?
Is it better to have a boatload of people running in and out of your house, or is it better to have a sanctuary where you could sit back and unwind?
I realize that I always desire both and apparently, I have both. Admittedly, I don’t always have them at the most suitable times, but… when I am in the middle of experiencing one of those extremes that I wish were a little different, I am completely aware of what it is like to be in the other extreme wishing for what I'm currently experiencing.
Hence - the concept of contrast occurs. One can't appreciate pleasure, without having experienced sorrow. One cannot cherish a house full of noisy kids having a party in the basement, without remembering what it was like when the kids were at your ex’s and the house was dead quiet and empty. One can't value rigid structure and order without experiencing the work load and stress of wading through mess and disorder. One can't revel in the ease and comfort of old, worn, and ratty clothes without spending a day in a formal outfit with high heels or a tie. It is the opposite that makes us appreciate the value of what we’re living in the now.
A similar concept applies to the current experiences or situations in our lives that we are not so happy with; the career that we wish were totally different or the house that we wish were bigger. These function as the contrast we need to have for us to start to think about what things would appear like if they were better. I call it the launching pad from which amazing things and monumental achievements are born. CONTRAST.
When you realize what you do not want, start to define what you would rather have. Do it in your journal. Describe it, explain it, design it, and envision it as though it were so.
Kim Ades, MBA, President of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine™ Software, is one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management. By using her unique process of coaching through journaling, she works with clients to unveil and switch their thought patterns to ignite significant change and life transformation. Visit www.frameofmindcoaching.com to assess your frame of mind and sign up for your own free, secure, online journal.
