Ambivalence
Part 1
Ambivalence can arise whenever desire is present, but it is not problematic unless it becomes the predominant experience. Then ambivalence paralyzes us. It has myriad causes and can manifest in many ways. The dharma shows us how to live skillfully when ambivalence is present, how to resolve ambivalence when it becomes a hindrance, and how to become united behind our resolve.
Ambivalence can arise whenever desire is present, but it is not problematic unless it becomes the predominant experience. Then ambivalence paralyzes us. It has myriad causes and can manifest in many ways. The dharma shows us how to live skillfully when ambivalence is present, how to resolve ambivalence when it becomes a hindrance, and how to become united behind our resolve.
Part 2
Through the cultivation of mindfulness, we can learn to be with our ambivalence in a skillful manner rather than focus on solving the underlying dilemma. We attune to our mind, heart, and intuition for insight and examine our passivity to discern whether it is skillful or unskillful. When we act, we do so in a manner whereby we are not defined by the ambivalence and then reflect on how we can live skillfully with our decision.
Through the cultivation of mindfulness, we can learn to be with our ambivalence in a skillful manner rather than focus on solving the underlying dilemma. We attune to our mind, heart, and intuition for insight and examine our passivity to discern whether it is skillful or unskillful. When we act, we do so in a manner whereby we are not defined by the ambivalence and then reflect on how we can live skillfully with our decision.
