This weekend, I’ve been thinking a lot about duality and dissecting its meaning and the context it adds to life. The exploration of this idea sprouted from my resistance to the emotions I’ve been experiencing. For a significant part of the first 24 hours into the weekend, I kept questioning why I had to go through these emotions—the heavy, not-so-cute kind. But then, like a mischievous friend sliding into a group chat, duality made its grand entrance and proclaimed, “Hey girl, hey!”

In my deep dive into duality, I stumbled upon a couple of realizations, or maybe just two main things. So, buckle up, bestie, because here they come:

1. Duality exists to help us appreciate the sunny side of life. It’s the yin and yang, the light and dark, the good and bad—each existing in its own right. Just as nature has its intricate balance, so does our human experience. It’s like a cosmic reminder that without darkness, how could we truly appreciate the light? So, thank you, duality, for adding that extra pizzazz to our existence!
2. Now, here’s the kicker: you can’t simply overdose on the positive to rid yourself of the negatives. Nope, they both live on the same spectrum, intertwined and waiting for their moment. So, what’s the secret? Finding purpose! Let’s take, for example, one of history’s most famous dualities: pain and pleasure.

Picture this: Pain knocks on your door, and in rushes your trusty guard dog, Resistance, ready to shield your tender heart from feeling the sting. Pain says, “Hey, I’m here for a reason,” and Resistance replies, “Sorry, not today, pal.” And so, Pain sulks in a corner, patiently waiting for its turn to be acknowledged and fulfill its purpose.

Meanwhile, Resistance jumps into action, summoning Pleasure in all its forms, hoping to distract and numb the pain. But here’s the catch: in those moments of excessive pleasure, when you think you’ve outsmarted pain and euphoria fills the air, guess who shows up uninvited? You got it—Pain! Why? Because it never really left. Sneaky, isn’t it?

So, after that long-winded story, here’s the grand revelation: you appreciate pleasure because you’ve experienced pain. I’m reminding myself of this as I write this.

They are two sides of the same coin, forever intertwined.

In the grand tapestry of life, duality dances its elegant ballet, reminding us to embrace both sides of the spectrum. Without sadness, happiness loses its luster. And be honest, who really wants to live a lackluster life? Without failure, success loses its sweetness. You know that sweet feeling you get after succeeding? Imagine never feeling that again. It’s the tension between opposites that adds depth and meaning to our journey.

I suppose my note to self, and anyone caught in the whirlwind of duality, is to not resist or try to overdose on the positive. Instead, take a moment to appreciate the purpose behind each emotion, experience, and situation. Embrace the duality for what it is and let it guide you towards a fuller understanding of life’s intricate harmony.

Remember, my friend, duality is the spice that makes life worth savoring. That depth that makes life oh so more enjoyable. Embrace it, dance with it, and let it lead you on a whimsical journey of self-discovery.