EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE SERIES – SELF AWARENESS - “I AM THE UNIVERSE – I HOLD AND MANAGE CONTRADICTIONS…..”



“I am the Universe – I hold and manage contradictions…..”







….said Syd effortlessly as we went around the room introducing ourselves . The statement caught my attention immediately. You know the feeling right? It’s like liking something even though you are not sure why.

As I ‘stayed’ with this line over the year, it’s multi textured layers slowly unfolded. The contradictions I hold and manage became increasingly apparent. Some include:

·      I shudder to pay try Rs. 200 for a flavoured coffee that I like, but am willing to be late in filing my taxes, resulting in a large fine.
·      I like to be able to give honest opinions that maybe be harsh, but certainly want to be handled with care before I am willing to listen to anyone.
·      I respect people who follow their passions, but look down on those who I term ‘irresponsible.’
·      I want my daughter to live in the moment, but find myself critiquing her when she does not adequately plan ahead.
·      I want my wife to continue giving me the independence to follow my dreams (which she does), but sulk if she does not proactively discuss them with me.
·      I care for my parents but find myself getting frustrated with engaging and supporting them.
·      I consider being on a spiritual journey (to be a better/happier me), but find that I have bouts of self-doubt and grumpiness!

To show that I am on top of things  (both to myself and to others), I would typically not acknowledge these contradictions. For a long time, the primary social conditioning motivated me to hide the ‘negative’ aspects and only present the ‘good’ side.

So, this line and subsequent learning and self-work has taught me the following – It’s perfectly natural to hold contradictions in our life. The important point is to be aware of these emotions/thoughts/practices rather trying to sweep them under the carpet (they never stay there too long!).


Wow, what a line - “I am the Universe – I hold and manage contradictions.”

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