The Wisdom of Adaptability: Embracing What Truly Matters
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Chapter 1: Understanding Wisdom
This article is part of a series exploring the balance of reason and passion. In the first installment, we examined the concept of "The Elephant and the Rider," a metaphor popularized by psychologist Jonathan Haidt. The second part delved into "The Discipline of Perception," which emphasized cultivating objectivity through Stoic philosophy.
"The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook."
— William James
How adaptable do you consider yourself? Would your friends or family describe you as inflexible? If we reflect honestly, most of us have opportunities to enhance our psychological flexibility. Adapting is vital for achieving a harmonious balance between reason and passion, as well as for mastering the art of living.
Section 1.1: Embracing Adaptability
In his insightful work, A Liberated Mind, author Steven C. Hayes, the founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), opens with the statement, "Life should be getting easier, but it's not." Despite longer lifespans, Hayes argues that happiness is not necessarily increasing.
Hayes posits that psychological rigidity can lead to various issues, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, and eating disorders. While the notion of psychological flexibility is not new, many wisdom traditions emphasize concepts like acceptance and letting go.
He defines psychological flexibility as:
"The ability to feel and think with openness, to attend voluntarily to your experience of the present moment, and to move your life in directions that align with your values and aspirations."
This involves confronting pain rather than avoiding it, enabling a life rich in meaning and purpose.
Subsection 1.1.1: Skills for Psychological Flexibility
Section 1.2: The Path to What Matters
In A Liberated Mind, Hayes outlines six essential pivots or skills to develop psychological flexibility. Here’s a brief overview of each:
- Defusion: This involves shifting from cognitive fusion—where we take our thoughts literally—to defusion, which allows for a more flexible perspective.
- Self: Moving from a rigid sense of self to a perspective-taking self enhances connection and belonging.
- Acceptance: Transitioning from experiential avoidance to acceptance helps us embrace our feelings.
- Presence: This pivot focuses on being present, rather than being trapped in past regrets or future worries.
- Values: This entails aligning our actions with chosen values instead of socially imposed goals.
- Action: This shift emphasizes committed action rather than avoidance, fostering continuous growth toward our values.
Chapter 2: The Power of the Pivot
The first video, "Krista Tippett - 'Becoming Wise: An Inquiry Into the Mystery and Art of Living,'" explores the intricacies of wisdom and living meaningfully.
The term "pivot" originates from a French word referring to the pin in a hinge, which redirects energy. Hayes notes that when we pivot, we transform rigid processes into flexible ones.
As Hayes asserts, learning to experience feelings with openness and curiosity can turn pain into a powerful ally. He states:
"Pain and purpose are two sides of the same thing. A person struggling with depression is very likely a person yearning to feel fully."
By shifting our focus from our thoughts and feelings to how we relate to them, we can foster a harmonious coexistence between reason and passion.
Thank you for engaging with this content; I hope you found valuable insights.
— J.W. Bertolotti
P.S. For daily reflections on the art of living, consider subscribing to the Perennial Meditations newsletter.
The second video, "The Art of Being Wise is Knowing What to Overlook - William James," delves into the essence of wisdom and the importance of discernment in our lives.