This is http://www.essayz.com/a9402011.htm Previous-Essay <== This-Essay ==> Following-Essay Click HERE on this line to find essays via Your-Key-Words. {Most frequent wordstarts of each essay will be put here.} ========================================================== %RISK OPPORTUNITY DANGER TRUST PARADIGM STABILITY+940201 %CREATIVITY COOPERATE COMPETE CHAOS CATASTROPHE 940201 In the face of the uncertainties, risks and the challenges of life we devise paradigms, strategies, game- plans and other ways to maximize our private gains and security. In doing so we need to anticipate the risks that we may be led into within communal situations which are inherently unstable and prone to catastrophe and chaos on the one hand; and on the other hand may be prone to rigidity, stagnation, and atrophy for long periods of time. The challenge is to find a creative balance between an emphasis upon prudent risk, trust and security on the one hand; and on the other hand relying upon timidity, distrust and defensiveness. While there are dangers in an over-emphasis upon dichotomous differences, it can be helpful to recognize the contrasting natures of the extremes to which we tend to go. The following words and phrases suggest some such extremes. competition vs cooperation win-lose vs win-win unilateral vs mutual defensiveness vs conflict resolution distrust vs honest dialogue invulnerable vs giving security acquiring vs sharing hording vs investing sudden vs gradual suspicion vs respect alienation vs friendship certainty vs integrity arrogance vs authenticity openness vs secrecy collusions vs honesty deception vs candor complexity vs simplicity pride vs humility control vs intimacy demands vs alternatives success vs justice perfection vs growth enemies vs collaborators competitors vs friends Paradigms which lead us to focus upon realities related to words on the left tend to generate unstable situations which engender chaotic catastrophes. Paradigms which lead us to focus upon realities related to words on the right --- tend to engender healthy relationships and situations which are creatively dynamic and promote integrative growth and change in robust ways. We need to seek creative ways to transcend the limitations of paradigms characterized by words on the left so that we may make transitions towards paradigms characterized by words on the right. (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy) ==========================================================