Two things can be true at the same time. Think about that statement. Sit with it even if you feel resistance to this idea….repeat the words again, two things can be true at the same time.

The first time I heard this I admit I felt some annoyance. But I quickly realized that my annoyance had nothing to do with the statement itself but rather it forced me to look within or challenge my own ideas, thoughts and opinions.

This is a very difficult thing to do. Most of us want to think we are right and therefore we believe we are. The interesting concept here though, if you can find the patience to observe it is that if two things can be true at the same time then it’s possible that two opposing viewpoints can both be right. Or wrong. It reinforces then the idea that we can each have an idea or opinion about something and both could be true or valid. However instead of conceding that another option is possible the EGO steps in and assures us that WE are right and the the other person can only be the other obvious option, which is wrong.

But is that really true?

When we are in the middle of an experience or situation we might say that we are in the thick of things. When we are IN the current situation we are most likely viewing everything on a micro level. We definitely cannot see all things clearly through the mud.

Of course when viewed in hindsight we sometimes can see things in more of an expanded or macro view because now we might be further removed from the situation. This is easier to do when emotions are not running high. Imagine though, if we could recognize our own behaviour pattern and catch ourselves in real time and try to take that macro view.

How would our reactions in the current situation change? If our reactions were able to change would it also change the response we receive? What impact would that have over everything or the end result?

The trick is to come back to the idea that two things can be true at the same time and as you expand your viewpoint you will also expand your growth mindset process.

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to it’s old dimensions

~ Oliver Wendall Holmes Jr