Develop Oppositional Stability
Stress and conflict management strategies are essential to getting the most out of life – and efficiency in doing so means more time to spend more time on things you enjoy. Rooted in the Pilates concept that, for your body to bend freely in one direction, energy must first initiate in the opposite direction to establish a solid base from which to move, this principle helps you find solid, unemotional, middle-ground from which to operate during life’s stressful moments.
Obstacles present the greatest opportunities to strengthen. Rather than being feared, they are to be welcomed and embraced.Whether our challenges come from spouses, children, colleagues, pants you’re trying to squeeze into, a second glass of wine calling your name, that trip you want to take but don’t think you can afford... we run into stop signs every single day. And when we are struck by a “no” in life, instinct tells us to do one of three things:
1) Run
2) Become immobile
3) Look for something heavy to throw at the offending party. (Just kidding.)
But there is a very effective fourth option: moving your mind in the opposite direction first. The approach is simple: start by saying yes. Agree with every part of the other person’s side so you can focus solely on points of difference and get to resolution faster. This “bend so you don’t break” strategy allows you to first develop empathy for your adversary and understanding around the subject, diffusing your own emotional pressure. Logic then has space to exist, providing balance and allowing you to move far more efficiently, freely and painlessly... and oftentimes in the direction you most want.