“The ultimate measure of a person is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King Jr.
And when is it not a time of challenge and controversy? When we are in moments of comfort and convenience, aren't we focusing on what's pleasant in our lives and disregarding pain in the world? We can't focus on pain all the time. That's disabling. We need to nourish ourselves and each other with love and support.
At the same time we have to know that our courage, honor, self knowledge and ability to know others through empathetic understanding are vital for our well being and the well being of others 24/7.
More and more the contrast between comfort and tribulation is sharply drawn in this tempestuous world. Part of being a healthy and whole person is our ability to expand our awareness to include both.
I chose this magnificent picture of two wolves as a living example of accepting the positive and negative in our lives. The lives of these wolves are full of beauty and majesty as well as forces that threaten the existence of their species on our planet. I think they are a symbol of what challenges us all. Can you think of others?
Discover your opposite poles:
1. What is rich and beautiful in your life?
2. What threatens you?
3. Where do you find peace and serenity?
4. Where are you anxious and frightened?
Building your inner core to hold the extremes poles we face in life creates a solid balance in your psyche. You can live fully and well because you won't be thrown by disaster or wild success. Being sturdy while holding opposites is the key to healing from eating disorders or any addiction. When you can bear your experience you don't need unhealthy avenues of escape.
Joanna Poppink is a private practice psychotherapist in Los Angeles specializing in eating disorder recovery for adult women.
For detailed information please see: Psychotherapy with Joanna
For a free fifteen minute telephopne consultation contact her at
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