A Dialectical View of Change

Knowing is not enough;

we must apply. 

Willing is not enough;

we must do.

(Goethe)  

With knowledge comes an understanding that there is a need for action, that we are not passive in this world. We are active agents in the course of our lives.  As humans we interact with others, therefore impacting them as well.  We influence their lives in ways that we cannot understand or appreciate in the moment.  One breathed word travels through waves to crash on the ears of another, bringing with it a message.

We cannot turn back to our previous selves because of the changing power of a message. Knowing more has set the stage for change.  With this new information comes a new perspective, an opportunity to see the dialectic. 

Let's explore dialectics.  Dialectics are the “synthesis of opposites” (Linehan, 1993a), or the merging of two opposing perspectives into a third new perspective that has elements of both perspectives.  The concept is similar to blending paints.  One splash of blue paint combines with a splash of yellow paint creates green paint.  We can see the value in all colors, just as we can see value in different perspectives.   

In dialectical thinking, the answer may be found in shades of gray, as opposed to the black-and-white world of absolutes and all-or-nothing views.  Maintaining a dialectical stance is essential because it allows us to see truth from many perspectives, not just our view, the adolescent’s view, or her family’s view.  

Incorporating multiple perspectives gives an increased knowledge base and may help in finding Wise Mind.  Wise Mind seeks the balance in emotions and thoughts to yield balanced behavior.