Duality — The Easiest Way to Understand it

What the Ying and Yang teach us about how life works

When I saw the images below, It was obvious that understanding and writing about my insight on this matter was the next step. The important meaning behind that image is the answers to what life is and what life isn’t. If you don’t understand how life works, how could you find your path to inner peace and avoid disappointments? You can’t, so let’s dive in.

First, view the image:

Let’s break it down and learn few things or two about it.

Here is the “bad”

The “bad” is what we refer to as our shadow side, the hidden part of us that we keep away consciously or not from the world. We satisfy this “hidden side” when there is no one around to see what we are doing. It manifests in our lives in the forms of judgmental thoughts, shameful feelings, and harmful actions toward others. Even if it seems like this side of us is the bad one; in fact, it is our dark side that shows us what we think we are or aren’t, what we desire or dislike, and what we believe to be true or not.

It is the bearer of growth; Our “bad” shows us behavior and emotions that need to be released from our lives to allow the new to come in. It is the side that needs to be understood and managed.

Here is the “good”

The good is what we refer to as the light, our loving side. It is the side we express externally and attracts what we consciously desire in life. It is the expression of peace, harmony, and balance. We always have that “good” in us, whether we know it or not. We just have to tap into its power to co-create with the universe.

Our “good” is the love that our hearts wants to express through our daily activities. Usually, when you align with your “good,” you radiate the energy of confidence, joy, and curiosity about the wonder of life.

Here is the “bad” that is in the good

The “bad in the good” is what makes you discern what is not working in the good action you are doing or receiving from people. It is the protector personality you have — Ego — that allows you not to take everything at face value, observe the consequences of your actions, and the impact others have on you. It is the analytical mind that says don’t be ignorant, naive, or uneducated about what is happening around you.

It is your duty to spot on the “bad” that can hide behind the “good.” Notice in the image, the “bad” is represented by a small dot. It means that the “bad” is in your life to serve you but not stop you from doing the good or going after your desires.

It reminds you that actions have consequences, and you should be the possible authentic version of yourself.

Here is the “good” that is in the bad

The “good in the bad” is the pain you carry, which negatively affects you and pushes you to misbehave. It is all the trauma caused by childhood, past relationships, and limiting beliefs in our lives. Behind any negative actions, is hidden a lack of love that got transformed into hatred or pain. If you understand that part, you can understand that people who hurt you or cause you pain are not doing it to really harm you. They are doing it because they want something for themselves, which is an expression of love to desire something for yourself. Unfortunately, they are going about it from a place of fear rather than love.

For instance, when Jesus Christ asked the Lord to forgive his oppressors, he knew that they were doing it out of ignorance and pain, but at the root of their action is the longing for love that wants to emerge.

Never forget that you should still love people who do you wrong because their wrongdoing comes from a lack of love.

Here is Life

Life is the blending of both sides — the Dark, the light with both dots — It is the manifestation of Duality. A world that teaches you how to accept your shortcomings and to share the love you have through self-expression, creativity, and authenticity.

Accepting everything for what “it is” is a great step toward understanding how life works. Cooperating with life to overcome those perceived challenges is only a decision we can only make. Always remember that those challenges are attracted to you for your own good and not against you. They are meant to bring what needs to change from your subconscious point of view.

Understanding each part of what creates the Ying and Yang allows you to be a better human, full of compassion, self-love, and love for others. It allows you to have peace of mind when things seem chaotic on the outside. You accept what life brings to you because you know it is meant to help you shred the old in order to embrace the new coming.

Don’t let any shortcoming dictate your life — In Taro’s reading, there are two cards that most people wish to avoid because of the moment of pain it brings: the Tower and the Death cards. But, when those energies come into your life, they shockingly remove everything and then release you from what does not serve you.

I trust that you will see the Ying and Yang of your life and find your deserved balance.

I leave you in peace and joy; may the light shine over your dark emotions.

Bonaventure Barry