TO RECAP, the Law of Polarity says that everything is dual, and that polar opposites are essentially the same and identical in nature, with differences only of degree. Thus, there is truth and value in the extreme positions and all degrees of variation in between. Through the play of polarity we mature, develop and evolve in this 3rd dimensional reality, with mistakes and pain serving as potential wake-up calls and guides. This makes oppositions intelligent partners in the systematic development of life. The key is to understand this and determine how to function wisely within it.

But alas, humanity has been conditioned to advocate one position, and to denounce, negate and sometimes even punish the merit of the opposite. Hence, the intellectual and neurological capacities of the polarized mind is an iota of the infinite potential of universal consciousness. Plus, all conjecture is subjectively determined, and often with only moderate agreement by others. This creates a paradox, with its limitations and adverse consequences for brain function. With great variations, a short list is:

• Unlimited polar opposites exist, with obscure boundaries distinguishing each from each other.
• Obscure and ambiguous delineation exist with regard to what is and is not acceptable.
• This creates confusion that undermines functionality and sustainability, especially with complexity and under pressure.
• We forfeit the wisdom, creativity and resources inherent in all differences.
• We can't readily discern the inherent positive aspects of the "negative", nor the value of mistakes, pain and loss.
• We can't readily discern the negative aspects of what we deem as "positive", nor the sacrifice/s we make to achieve the gain.
• We are limited to the use of a small percentage of our magnificent brains, rendering them modestly functional and dysfunctional tools for resolution and creation.
• We utilize only modest proportions of the life experience that adds depth and breadth to our awareness, development and evolution.
• With limited ingenuity, we cannot devise firm resolutions that honor the whole, even though daily living demands that sound courses of action be continually decided.
• Decisions often feel incomplete and/or inadequate.
• We create deprivation and imposition.
• We often, sometimes even profoundly, regret our choices.
• We sentence ourselves to ever-enduring conflict.

Conclusion: Resolution within the polarity's limitations will never truly serve. It must be sought at another level.

Paradox Illustrated
Note: The following is intended not as political comment or strategy, but only to demonstrate how polarity creates a paradox that dramatically affects a society its quality of life, and the lives of its citizens.

The US bipolar political system was developed from two opposing political parties - the Tories and Whigs of the English Parliamentary system. The Tories represented the interests of the privileged few, and all others were Whigs. Obviously, these eventually became Republicans and Democrats. This created a polarized system of nationcraft that laid the foundation for the political "win-lose" dynamic in our nation. Some people win and control; others lose and capitulate. Even so, it served the needs of our developing country, when issues were far less complex.

Every era brings unique needs and demands that require new approaches. Government leaders today face serious challenges. Global competition and interdependence, rapid change, phenomenal population growth, economic instability, extensive social and ecological stresses, huge disasters that take many lives and require vast resources, terrorism, and many other factors are imposing previously unknown obstacles.

THE PARADOX. A bipolar system cannot, by design, honor the needs of all life for the national infrastructure, the economy, human and natural resources, ecosystem and global community. When one party is in control, the values and needs represented by the opposing party are negated. Bipolar politics simply does not respond to the complex needs of our diverse and rapidly changing society and ecology. This imposes many grievous complications that undermine and corrode a nation's very infrastructure. The neglected elements weaken, diminishing their vitality and valuable contribution, while the decay in their neglect increases. Bipolar politics imposes a paradox, and with it, profound dilemma, neglect, strain, conflict, and untold complicated consequences. This is the paradox inherent in polarity and a bipolar political system. All life loses.

THE DILEMMA. What to do? The dilemma is more complex than this example even begins to cite. But to begin, which party platform effectively addresses this paradoxical state? Both Republicans and Democrats have valid and respectful points within their platforms. Yet we can elect only one national administration at a time. When this happens, with each new administration, comes a swing to the platform of their party. Hence, this political wrangling condemns American citizens to constant pendulation and countless negative repercussions, and sadly, never bringing stability and a healthy, progressive growth.

In our federal, state and local voting districts, we elect people who must choose between voting for their party's platform, or voting for the wise choice, for that issue and time. To stay in favor, they must vote in favor of their party and the special interest groups who financially backed them. Unfortunately, this shortsighted voting does not benefit the whole. And all life suffers...

Citizen voters have the same dilemma. Do we vote for the party with which we've been long identified? For the opposing party? Or do we vote for a more inclusive platform of a 3rd party? If we change our vote, will we endure the burden of being perceived as "deserters", with the loss of valuable connections and cherished relationships? Do we demand the dominant parties to agree, consolidate, and offer their best leaders as nominees or co-nominees who share the same office? What could be the certain consequences of such a demand?

The 1990s advent of third parties began providing options to polarized nationcraft, but then dwindled into an unheard voice. Plus, the third party vote was spread among numerous options, which afforded no strong representation to one alternative party, and hence, not an effective resolution.

Another dilemma is for which third party do we vote? Does its mission and platform adequately represent our own values as well as the many unresolved issues that are reaching serious proportions? Some platforms advocate specific issues, while neglecting other issues of paramount importance to the general quality of life. Furthermore, are the 3rd party federal and gubernatorial candidates strong enough to prevail through the backlash and various pressures of such a radical political departure? How effectively would federal and state assemblies interact with them? If we vote for a third party, are we wasting the vote by usurping the strength from one of the two parties we would want to win? After all, we are exercising our right, but does it truly serve? It's incredibly complicated. And that's what polarity and the paradox do.

THE CONFLICT. With ever more complex issues, we are polarized into political factions that perpetually vie for dominance. Consequently, concession, harmony, national and global stability are impossible. As the deteriorating consequences of opposing issues becomes more serious, the struggle for dominance can become coercive and insidious. Individuals and parties may win, but a society will never win. Nor the world it impacts. What future does a polarized humanity forebode? What about the world that is left to the children and future generations?

THE RESOLUTION, CONCEPTUALIZED. Honorable and reliable resolutions are not found in the slanted propositions of the extremes. Insisting upon only the limited perspective of one extreme denies the validity of all others. Hence, "either/or" solutions can never resolve all dilemmas. The resolution is an intelligent synergy of extremes and everything in between. This inclusive perspective values all positions within the whole. Inclusion:

• Discerns both positive and negative values and consequences.
• Identifies the similarities and congruencies of all options.
• Seeks the positive aspects and valuable resources of the "negative".
• Seeks the negative aspects of what is seen as positive, and with them, before unseen possibilities.
• Endows wisdom, ingenuity and harmony.
• Reconditions the brain to see all dilemmas and problems from an inclusive perspective.
• Liberates brain function from the confines and insanity of polarity and frees it to search for wise and ingenious ideas to resolve a dilemma.
• Lays the foundation for true freedom.
• And, ahhhhhhh, the future for the children and planet...

THE RESOLUTION ILLUSTRATED. Inclusive organizing principles govern the multi-dimensional universe. These principles uphold order in galaxies, solar systems and all physical and biological systems. They support the life and evolution of all species. Therefore, is it possible to apply these same universal laws and organizing principles to political systems, and upraise government leadership to an entirely new level?

This would mean integrating universal law into political systems, and into the national, state and regional administrative and law-making bodies. With this authority, government leaders could eventually achieve the same efficiency and skill of administers the universe.

An obvious resolution would for all parties to unify. Devise a political platform that authorizes their leadership to serve universal law. Formulate an administrative strategy that honors the extremes. Devise an unfaltering campaign and combine their resources to empower it. Nominate their finest champions of strength, integrity and compassion, and run a first-rate campaign.

Idealistic? Yes. Possible? Certainly not now...

© Marianne Weidlein, 2001-2006

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marianne Weidlein, author and transformational facilitator, combines her 35-year background in human potential development, spirituality and self-employment to help groups and individuals achieve success. Her expertise is self-mastery, co-creative relationships and self-employment. For the past two decades, using her techniques and curriculum, she has facilitated innumerable programs of varying sizes and formats to thousands of individuals and partnerships.

Marianne holds a BSBA. Her books are Empowering Vision For Dreamers, Visionaries & Other Entrepreneurs, Warm Liquid Life and her forthcoming The Passage to Freedom, based on her transformational facilitation program. www.empoweringvision.com.