Life is a paradox. For every amazing thing in the world, there is another just as disturbing.
The world is filled with unbelievable landscapes and deadly disasters; breathtaking sunsets and depressing winter nights; tree-lined shopping streets and heart-breaking encampments two blocks away (look no further than Berkeley or San Francisco).
It’s also home to anonymous donors and sleazy scammers; bold artists and Internet trolls; the Dalai Lama and Vladimir Putin.
Sometimes I can’t help but wonder: is this all the same world?
One strategy I use to offset the negativity that comes my way is to expose myself to the same amount of beauty.
Overwhelmed by catastrophes? I put the news away, go out for a walk, and look up to the sky.
A reckless driver cuts me off on the highway like he’s playing Mario Kart? I look for another driver who gestures to me to go ahead with a smile.
The guy at the pizza shop gives me an attitude for no apparent reason (and the pizza isn’t even that good)? I patron the noodle shop across the street where the owner beams with pride when he serves homemade broth and extra cilantro.
The point is not to ignore the negative, but to remind myself to see both sides of the paradox as it is.
In order to figure out what I need to do next, I must first stay sane. A balanced view of the world helps.