Rooted in Black & White – #145

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It takes time to make an informed decision when you begin with the following knowledge: 

You will undoubtedly face more than two options. This tip is good for healthy decision making and for understanding poetry.

When you are steeped in black and white thinking, the hot water of uncertainty urges you to make quick decisions. This often makes for inappropriate decisions based on shallow thinking.

I don’t remember when or why or how the above image made its way to my Picasa album. I think it has been in there simmering, waiting for me to become aware: 

Aware that my rushing may be related to my black and white thinking.

When I took another look at the image, it pleased me when I saw gray. Becoming comfortable with the ambiguity of gray is the way out of rigid thinking.

If you remove “undoubtedly” and “often” (words I added in the last edit) from the sentences above, you will see that these additions were necessary to make it possible for me to practice what I preach.

Do you do black or white, all or nothing thinking? Do you recognize it when you do? How do you guard against this fundamentalist tendency to judge right or wrong? Please share by replying to this email or clicking on the underlined exploring the mystery below.

Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall



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2 comments
  1. Interesting….I have pretty much known,even prided,on my black or white,all or none.pretty simple ,no brainier..if I actually had to give it some thought ,I would tell myself " don't over think this " . Another thought I did not realized ,until I was thinking how to respond ,was being a now wise woman ,of 61, growing up Catholic, strict school,and home,there was only good or bad,and yes or no. I remember being told ( by a very smart woman ) that I did not always have to have an immediate answer ,which surprised me,plus immediately took a lot of pressure off me.i was told to simply reply " let me think about it".Simple and brilliant , letting go of black or white ,all or none leaves a lot more room for other colorful options. Now I just need to pump the brakes before I open my mouth !!!

  2. I really appreciate your message – so helpful for you to point out how black and white thinking is taught to us!

    Hope you enjoy the colorful options you decide upon.

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