One example is “this moment is all you have; there is only now”. This is a truism that is simple to acknowledge but not easy to remember. If we could truly live this sentiment we wouldn’t be constantly swinging back and forth between the past, where sadness and regret reside, and the future, the home of all fear.
One of the greatest sources of wisdom is that which is found inside of a paradox, two statements that are true but which contradict each other. The quantum physicist Neils Bohr famously stated that “the opposite of a correct statement is a false statement, but the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth."
In support of this statement I can point to many of the aphorisms heard in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, such as “you have to give it away to keep it”, and “admitting you don’t have power is the source of true power”. The Bible has another famous example: “when I am weak I am strong". (2 Cor 12:10) A personal favorite of mine for years has been “the way up is down”, which to me means that reaching down into our imperfections is the way to find real and lasting peace in who we are.
In support of this statement I can point to many of the aphorisms heard in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, such as “you have to give it away to keep it”, and “admitting you don’t have power is the source of true power”. The Bible has another famous example: “when I am weak I am strong". (2 Cor 12:10) A personal favorite of mine for years has been “the way up is down”, which to me means that reaching down into our imperfections is the way to find real and lasting peace in who we are.
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But if paradox is like a pair of scissors that uses two sharp edges to cut a line, a simple profundity is truth’s hammer. One hit is enough to command attention. Again, Alcoholics Anonymous has a number of these “simple rules for complicated people”, and from time to time a person lost in confusion (generally self-imposed) has a moment of clarity upon hearing a curt comment that is both laughingly humorous and deadly serious, such as “if you want to get sober you have to stop drinking”.
Similarly, I try to remind people (and personally remember) the advice that “if you want self-esteem you need to do esteemable things”.
All of this came to mind after I stumbled over a quote from a guy named Ramakrishna, 19th century Indian mystic. This sage once intoned to his devoted followers: “if you want to go east, don’t go west.”
Well sure, I knew that one already. Is that all?
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Bill Herring, LCSW, CSAT is a well seasoned Atlanta-based counselor and psychotherapist who helps individuals and couples live fuller, happier and more meaningful lives. While working with a wide range of adult clients, Mr. Herring is a nationally recognized specialist on helping good people maintain consistent, safe and ethical sexual boundaries. He is available for in-person and online consultation and counseling, and may be easily reached by phone or email .
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Bill Herring, LCSW, CSAT is a well seasoned Atlanta-based counselor and psychotherapist who helps individuals and couples live fuller, happier and more meaningful lives. While working with a wide range of adult clients, Mr. Herring is a nationally recognized specialist on helping good people maintain consistent, safe and ethical sexual boundaries. He is available for in-person and online consultation and counseling, and may be easily reached by phone or email .
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