The Balancing of Polarities

One of the clinical frameworks that I learned as a clinician was called DBT, which stands for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. This paradigm focuses on managing distress triggers, noticing and regulating emotions and using mindful communication. Dialectics are the art of holding two or more polarities in balance. These polarities sound like opposites but they can exist at the same time. They teach us how to balance competing needs so that we stay regulated inside. Here are some competing needs:

• Feelings & thoughts

• Problems & solutions

• Contemplation & action

• Responsibilities and fun

• Being right & making mistakes

• Self care & care for others

• Pushing personal growth & self acceptance

• Doing things alone & asking for help

• Being humble & celebrating successes

Being able to work on polarities, helps you focus on things in your control, riding the middle ground. We often get into all or nothing patterns rather than seeing all pieces to every challenge. Keep working on emotions and logic as partners that can collaborate rather than compete. Our happiness is about alignment, keeping our thoughts, emotions and choices going in the same direction and keeping away from the extremes