Contrast con·trast v, - put in opposition or to emphasize differences.

Sarah Ihrig
Feb 25, 2021
3 min read

The swing is in motion. A simple free gliding energy sailing on the coattails of gravity. Stomachs gushing adrenaline rushing plummeting toward Earth. Ropes clutched and decisions erupt, split second timing necessary, contemplating the heart pounding choice of whether to stay on the swing or to jump and soar; stability or the decision to be your own superhero. There is no denying the magnetic pull to kick your feet in flight propelling the launch even higher and refusing to bring the unexpected momentum to a close. Children allow this in their everyday lives. The possibility of flight while absorbing the realization of uncomfortable anxiety. Unintentionally an idea some adults lose over time decreasing broad range contrast. At some stage experiences narrow and avoidances increase until desires collapse under convenience and restraints. Children have an accurate sense of contrast as they see the disorder of a puddle not as an avoidance, but as an invitation.

"Contrast repels you away from equilibrium and yet eventually will attract you back like a pendulum."

The word contrast comes from the latin root word contra which means against. Against is an apprehensive word that collaborates in the entanglement with unforeseen odds. Our idea of complete opposite or life being in complete contrast very much seems mind wrestling. While contrast is a push pull energy it also can be considered a concept of measurement. Viewing contrast as a measurement between 2 extremes with a self-defined determination of balance. Taking on life’s extremes safely through exploration can indicate a more solid footing of who you want to be and who you don’t want to be. Whether it is an experience in a bad relationship, time with an overbearing coworker to a stranger unexpectedly buying you lunch; the wider the variation the more accurate the outcome. Different experiences widen the span of contrast, enabling you to fall at a place of equilibrium that more accurately defines only you.

"Individualism lies between the grander the enemy to the gentler the angel."

Contrast is always changing if you allow it. Your ability to create an environment within a larger radius will broaden your character. For instance, this image below..at first you may see one image, but as you look more intensely.. there are two.

What are the two images you see within your own life, for yourself? What are the major contrasting concepts in your life? Perhaps you are happy with your life and may feel you do not need to expand on the your differences. Yet again, maybe you are happy solely because you are not at odds with the world and do not allow your imperfections to breathe. A place of peace is necessary as long as you continue to explore and expand on your contrasting traits. For example, lets say you feel strongly that you are a person who is extremely optimistic. How do you know you are optimistic? What if the benchmark to your optimism is low? Isn't there always room to improve? Additionally, you seriously believe you are super lazy. Obviously we don't want to expand laziness in a way that will be detrimental. If you are lazy to the degree that it is a contrasting quality then take that laziness and expand it into something beneficial. For instance, plenty of time to think, plenty of time to create, harness the power of the mind into productivity. As long as you are also expanding on the other end of the scale you are still giving yourself more options to fall at a place of least resistance.