To cope with life’s contradictions, we must anticipate change. If we’re unprepared for the transitions, we miss the opportunities they can provide.
At the crossroads of contradictions, people who remain stubborn and opposed to inevitable change may find it useful to try the left-handed path of tantra yoga. In dealing with difficult attitudes, tantra teaches: When you can’t give up, give in! Continue doing what you do. As time passes, the contradictions will grow congruent.
Tantric practices sound simple, but they are not easy. The central theme is that like cures like. When we surrender to our weaknesses, stumbling blocks can be turned into stepping stones. Poison is an anti-dote- to poison. This medieval wisdom evolved as a way of instructing those who could not say “no” to temptation.
If you are naturally resistant, then you feel like doing the opposite of whatever you’re told. When you’re told to keep doing what you’re already doing, if you stop, you’re giving up the behavior; if you don’t stop, you’re giving in and no longer resisting. Either way, you win.
Stubbornness is a source of strength waiting to be freed.