No Right & Wrong?
We live in a world of binaries and dichotomies, rights and wrongs, shoulds and shouldn’ts. However, this isn't the only way to have a conversation. Instead of right and wrong, let’s start to think about things as right and left.
by Michael James Wong
It’s normal for us humans to function and perceive certain things in a binary way - it’s what we’ve been used to. It is a way of thinking that has helped us make sense of the world, helps us to make decisions and in many ways move forward.
However, not everything can be so simply categorised - sometimes when we think about everything within such binary terms, we end up narrowing our perspective and missing out on the opportunity to grow in different ways. We make things finite, as if to say there’s no more conversation to be had or questions asked.
I think there’s something missed out on here.
It is through our differences that we expand, converse, teach, learn, grow. So instead of putting everything in the ‘right’ camp and the ‘wrong’ camp, lets change the terms a little and look at life through a lens of right and left.
Left is not wrong; it’s just different. and while it may not suit the masses, it should not be discounted or seen negatively. Others may not always agree with the status quo and instead to choose to go left, and that is ok.
Here are 3 reasons why we should move away from ‘right and wrong’ and consider a more curious way of thinking.
1. It’s an opportunity to grow
Categorising everything into boxes may be a way of making sense of the world, but oftentimes this just limits our potential to grow and expand our minds. As we start to break down those barriers, though, we invite in the possibility that there is more out there, that there’s a multiplicity of perspectives that we can learn from and continue to evolve.
2. You can form a deeper connection
When we begin to let go of such rigid ways of thinking, we create space to connect deeper with those around us. When we have an idea of what is right and wrong in our head, we run the risk of shutting down the second someone else offers a different opinion. However, if we hear them out and try to see things from their perspective, we start to cultivate more empathy and understanding for who they are and where they come from.
3. You realise nothing is definitive
Remember, not everything is as definitive as we make them out to be in our minds. For example, if you asked 5 different people how to make the ‘perfect’ sandwich, I bet anything you’d get 5 different answers. One might say turkey on rye with a little mustard, one might go in a completely different direction and say peanut butter and jam. Doesn’t mean one is right and one is wrong - it just depends on personal preference.
And maybe, if you put down your metaphorical sandwich and tried someone else’s, you might find that you like it too!
If you were to put this into practice today, try asking more questions. Even if someone else’s perspective isn’t the same as yours, try to be open and ask why they think the way they do. You may not agree, and that’s okay - it’s just about exploring different ways of thinking and seeing things.
Embracing this idea can change everything. You’ll find more kindness and compassion will come into your everyday life.
MICH
aEL j
ames wong
Michael is a community activist, writer, educator and meditation teacher, he is regarded as a leading voice in the global movement for modern mindfulness. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, raised in Los Angeles, California and is now living in London, his greatest joy in life is building and celebrating strong and meaningful communities. Michael is also the Founder of Just Breathe.
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