30. Understanding Polarity

Many years ago, I became aware of the concept that this physical planet is one of contrast. There cannot be a night without the day, no inside without an outside, no high without a low. But recently, I have been immersing in the notion of oneness. So, how do these two opposing ideas co-relate?

I came across a paraphrasing of one of Rumi’s (a Sufi poet) poems that said: ‘above the right and wrong there is a field … where we will meet.” Mulling over these words, I was reminded of the principle in physics – when two molecules of equal and opposite charge collide together they cancel each other out and leave only light. Equally, when we move away or above contrasting elements we arrive at the field of one-ness. This can only remain as an idea until we actively practice seeing the polarity for what it is … an aid to experience both sides before we can value the space of unity. It is like seeing the many split colours of the rainbow to appreciate the completeness of the one white light.

Often, an intangible concept can become clearer when we learn what it is not, rather than what it is. For example, an aspect of pure love is not attachment, not dependency, not an addiction, instead it is freedom to be who we truly are.  On balance, knowing that this duality exists in equal and opposite measure, it is easier to face criticism and aversion half of the time … knowing that support and accolades exist and are also present. It becomes a matter of accepting both and not getting affected by either – remaining in equanimity!