Life Is Like Photography – You Need The Negatives To Develop

Life is like photography – you need the negatives to develop

Ziad K. Abdelnour

The earth school

When I was quite young, I asked my intuition why many people around me were sad.   The answer was that we are all here to learn. We learn from both the good and bad things that happen to us.   I’ve pretty much stuck with that belief all my life.  When things happen which trigger negative emotions inside me, I very quickly get to the main question:  What am I learning from this?  There is something about understanding the impact on yourself from the world around you.  it doesn’t take away any pain, but it helps to put the pain in perspective.  While I understood I was here to learn, it took me even longer to understand that I occasionally needed negatives to develop that learning. 

Needing the negatives to develop

One of my favourite songs is Jason Mraz – 93 Million Miles from The Sun.  The following verse from the song echoes the contention that we need negatives to develop.

“240 thousand miles from the moon
We’ve come a long way to belong here
To share this view of the night, a glorious night
Over the horizon is another bright sky
Oh, my, my, how beautiful
Oh, my irrefutable father
He told me, Son sometimes it may seem dark
But the absence of the light is a necessary part”

Living in a world of contrast

We live in a world of contrast.  If we didn’t experience sadness, how would we appreciate happiness?  Without the experience of fear, how could we appreciate happiness?  Our world is made up of opposites, of positives and negatives.   Our job is to face the negatives to develop the positives.  The problem we mostly encounter is that negative experiences take up our focus and what we focus on tends to repeat.  One of the most fundamental lessons when learning from contrast is to take what doesn’t work and focus instead, on what does.  

Life is an intricate balance of light and dark, positive and negative. This duality is not just a philosophical concept but a fundamental aspect of our everyday experiences. It manifests in various forms, from joy and sorrow to success and failure, love and loneliness. These opposing forces create a rich tapestry of experiences, contributing to our growth, understanding, and appreciation of life. The contrast between them adds depth and meaning to our existence. Here are ten reasons why this contrast enhances the richness of life:

1. Appreciation of Joy

In the absence of sadness, joy would lose its significance. The darker periods of life make us more appreciative of the moments of happiness. When we emerge from challenging times, our sense of joy is intensified. The contrast between happiness and sorrow deepens our understanding of what it means to be content and teaches us not to take the good times for granted.

2. Personal Growth

Adversity and challenges are often the catalysts for personal growth and development. Facing difficulties can build resilience, strength, and character. It is through overcoming the negative aspects of life that we often discover our true potential and learn valuable life lessons.

3. Depth of Emotions

The duality of life allows us to experience a wide range of emotions, adding depth to our human experience. The ability to feel deeply, whether it’s joy or sorrow, love or loss, adds a richness to life that would be absent in a monochromatic emotional landscape.

4. Appreciation of Beauty

Contrasts in life can heighten our appreciation of beauty in art and nature. Just as light is more striking against the backdrop of darkness, so too is beauty more poignant when contrasted with its absence. This duality can make us more mindful and appreciative of the beauty around us.

5. Understanding Compassion

Experiencing or witnessing suffering and negativity can foster empathy and compassion. Understanding what it feels like to be in pain or to struggle makes us more empathetic and supportive towards others in their times of need.

6. Motivation for Change

Negative experiences can be powerful motivators for change. They often push us to seek better circumstances or to improve ourselves. Without the discomfort or dissatisfaction that comes from negative experiences, there might be less impetus to grow or change.

7. Realisation of Impermanence

The ebb and flow of positive and negative experiences remind us of the impermanence of all things. This understanding can encourage us to live more fully, to appreciate the present moment, and to not take things for granted.

8. Balance and Harmony

The duality of life contributes to a sense of balance and harmony. Just as ecosystems thrive on biodiversity, human experiences are enriched by various positive and negative experiences. This balance is essential for a full, well-rounded life.

9. Creative Inspiration

Many forms of art are born from the interplay of light and dark, positive and negative. Artists often draw inspiration from their struggles and joys, channelling their experiences into creative expressions that resonate with others.

10. Connection with Others

Shared experiences, both good and bad, can create strong bonds between people. Commiserating over shared difficulties or celebrating shared joys can deepen relationships and foster a sense of community and belonging.

In conclusion, the duality of life, with its mix of positive and negative experiences, is not just an inevitable aspect of existence but a fundamental contributor to the richness and depth of our lives. It shapes our perspective, teaches us resilience, and makes our moments of joy all the more precious.