“THE CLOSER TO GOD THE GAUDIER IT GETS.”

Paul Huschilt (In a souvenir Shop outside a Buddhist Temple, Kyoto, Japan)

Why does it seem that every sacred spot around the world sells as many souvenirs as it saves souls? Because there can be no god without glitter, yang without yin, or sacred without silliness.

In fact, there can be no light without darkness. Whenever the sun sets somewhere on this planet, it rises somewhere else.

Two truths are: ‘Life is paradoxical’ and ‘The truth will set you free.’

Just ask my friend who also traveled to Japan to teach. Although her topic was spirituality, she traveled with 3 huge suitcases and 2 ‘carry-ons’. She traveled with enough earthly goods, in fact, to clothe an ashram.

Was it wrong? No, she just understood paradox. We all have these kinds of contradictions in us. They make us human. They make us complex. They make us real.

Don’t fight paradoxes in you. Get to know them. Befriend and accept them. Then, those parts that need to change will have the breathing room they need to bubble through. Those that are truly a part of you will find their rightful peaceful place.

Just because the truth does not always make sense, does not mean it is nonsense.

This week, befriend contradictions in you that make you interesting.