What’s the word?
It’s AND.
Yep, that’s it, AND.
It’s a small word and it packs a big punch if we really embrace what it has to offer. Let’s take a look.
Don't Forget to Watch The Short Video Below
Dialectical Thinking: What is it, how does it work, what does it have to do with “AND?”
When thinking dialectically the key word that comes to mind is the word AND. When there are seemingly opposing views dialectical thinking allows us to hold the moment in neutral instead of passing judgment or giving an opinion. It’s the ability to view what appears to be opposing issues with a neutral perspective allowing us to seek to understand rather than seek to be understood. The word AND helps us achieve the neutral perspective.
Often times we jump to opinion and don’t validate the person we are listening to and use words or phrases like THIS is the way or THAT is correct. I know I have strong opinions about certain things and when I jump in with my opinions I find that most people don’t feel understood at the very least and judged at the very worst. Thinking dialectically allows us to embrace both sides of an issue and seek to understand rather than seek to be understood.
I know sometimes it feels nearly impossible to view two seemingly contradictory thoughts and arrive at a neutral or wise minded position. If we were to really grasp this “AND” concept how huge could it be when we are talking to our teenagers or our staff? You could say it could be a game changer.
Examples of 2 Things That Appear Opposite And Are Both Both True
We Are Saints AND We Are Sinners
Sad (son going to college) AND Joy (they got in to college)
We Are First AND We Are Last
We Are Weak AND We Are Strong
It's best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it. Ecclesiastes 7:18 MSG
I truly believe there is a difference between Acceptance & Approval and between Sympathy & Support. Just because we seek to understand or hold situations in neutral doesn’t mean we support or approve. It simply means we are understanding, validating and accepting instead of judging.
Questions:
1. Is it easy or hard for you to think dialectically?
2. What situation(s) is it the most difficult for you to embrace “And?”