Just like a box of 64 crayons, everything about our shared experience of this magnificent orb is nuanced and colored by our own filters and perspectives. And yet, so many of us are trapped in a mindset of black and white.
The larger stories which define our realities are quite diverse depending on where we were born. I think most of us understand this basic truth of humanity whether we choose to embrace it or not. But it’s our smaller micro-narratives which exist in our own personal bubbles which may not be so nuance-friendly, open or objective.
When it comes to accepting and adapting to different ways of thinking which exist in our own social sphere – many of us struggle with the concept that not everyone else thinks and processes the world the way we do. The last few years have provided a clear example of how “black and white” our thinking can become when our collective differences are constantly highlighted over our common values.
The problem with rigid, black and white thinking is the inability to find the middle ground. Certain personality types like narcissists or people who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, greatly struggle with the concept of nuance. For example, a coworker or family member can be described as an “angel” today, but one misstep or perceived wrong and that same person can instantly be declared to be “evil”. Obviously dealing with someone who exhibits this type of behavior can be quite disruptive and make everyone around them feel like they are constantly walking on eggshells.
For those of us who like to stay informed and up-to-date with happenings in our world, the challenge to find the truth (which is always nuanced) has become a Lewis and Clark expedition of sorts. Sometimes treacherous and often toxic –the reporting of the “news” (on some networks) has become an industry driven by personalities who inflame and entertain us as opposed to inform and inspire us.
It’s a ratings game. The more we consume what any particular host is dishing out – the more money floods their network and fills their bank accounts. It is in this environment that black and white thinking is used as a tool to heighten the extremes and cater to fringe groups. Sadly, there is no fame and fortune in peddling nuanced, objective, balanced reasoning in conjunction with conveying factual information. As Roger Ailes so profoundly stated, “Americans would rather “feel” informed than “be” informed.
Once again, living a centered, well-balanced life comes back to personal responsibility for our own thinking, beliefs and actions. While it may be easy to get lost in the weeds of toxic, black and white, all or nothing thinking, there is always a path back to positive interaction with our fellow man if we so choose to take it.
Tolerance, empathy, understanding and kindness all exist in the nuanced, beauty of gray.
This article was written by a guest blogger. The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not reflect the opinions of Bob Lacey, Sheri Lynch or the Bob & Sheri show.
The Zen Den
Hello and welcome to The Zen Den. My name is Alison and while I am passionate about many things, my most inspiring driving force is human connection. Blogger, content writer, orthopedic exercise specialist, motivational speaker, international yoga pro, published songwriter, avid poker player, mom and wife are just a few of my titles. But when I do my job at NASA, I am known simply as “The Fairy Zenmother” a role I deeply love because people invite me into their space to help them find their center, relax and stretch their muscles and destress their mind. Here in the blogosphere version of The Zen Den, I invite you into my world where I will explore ideas for creating a better tomorrow and a kinder today. And hopefully, with insight, authenticity and humor; my words, observations and experiences will help you feel calm, centered, intellectually challenged and spiritually enlightened. Alternatively, if you have something you would like to see covered in The Zen Den, just let me know. Your feedback is welcome and valuable to the success of this blog. Finally, my heart is filled with gratitude to have this opportunity to share with all of you.
