Metaphysics teaches us that what we manifest in life is a result of our inner most feelings/beliefs/perceptions etc. In other words, we are to a large extent responsible for what shows up in our lives. Michael Singer, on the other hand, says that there are very few things in life that we can control. How can both of these teachings be true? Both statements are true because they are a paradox (i.e., two things that seem contradictory).
Richard Rohr talks about the value of paradox in his book "The Naked Now".
"Even the great dogmas of the church are almost always paradoxical. Think of Jesus = Human and Divine, Mary = Virgin and Mother, God = 1 and 3."(p. 144)
"Each one of us must learn to live with paradox, or we cannot live peacefully or happily even a single day of our lives. In fact, we must even learn to love paradox, or we will never be wise, forgiving, or possessing the patience of good relationships." (p. 145)
I find great freedom in accepting that paradoxes exist. It is so much easier to love myself and others when I can accept that although we each are divine expressions of life we are not perfect. When there is some wiggle room for human error to show up, I can love much more easily. And ironically, by accepting these limitations, the true essence of the person or situation becomes apparent. Resistances, resentments and struggles diminish. Forgiveness flows. The human reality becomes much less important and God's light shines through.
