The definition
of paradoxes in this context could be “a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in
reality expresses a possible truth.” As in The Paradoxes of Life by Dalai Lama,
we can see statements or concepts
which contain conflicting ideas. A connection of that statement refers to our
tasks to reflect our own thoughts and experiences to group dynamics. Smith
& Berg (1997, 11) expresses that “group life is inherently paradoxical”. And
by saying that, they mean that individual members experience the group as
being filled with contradictory and opposing emotions, thoughts, and actions
that coexist inside the group (Smith & Berg, 1997, 15). In my opinion inherently
can be associated with people, the human nature, which creates the paradoxical
nature in group life. As can be seen in Dalai Lama’s text, people are
paradoxical. And it makes the dynamics in group life interesting!
Yes, I talked about this in my blog as well....
VastaaPoista"Circles. One cannot escape the feeling that an exploration of paradox is like walking in circles. It is hard to know where you have come from and where you are going. But the more one lives with a paradoxical perspective, the more one develops a tolerance for circles and for the places where two apparently contradictory paths join." (Smith and Berg, 1997, 152)
I liked how you brought into this your discussion of the Dalai Lama. Life is paradoxical... it is not black and white... there is much grey - and often time in the grey is where we truly live.
Yes! The meaning of these posts have been the understanding of the significance of the paradoxes. We live in the world of contradictions, paradoxes surrounds us. The people are the ones who create these paradoxes in life and in the groups and teams. In the net of the paradoxes we need to recognize them to exist and try to find a balance, develop a tolerance for circles as you said. You couldn't express it more clearly, the grey is where we usually truly live!
VastaaPoistaThe grey is absolutely where we live - although often the grey is the best part. It is funny how the grey can feel so uncomfortable when you are in the midst of it, yet often times when you reflect back - it is what you miss the most.
VastaaPoista