Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

The Positive Effects of Adversity

 

            Favourable and adverse situations cannot be taken as separate, absolute concepts. These are inter-dependent; both can be as rewarding as harmful. But the so-called harmful effect of adversity can be transformed into sweet results by developing a right perspective and through mental reconditioning. Rather than seeing the world regarding such polar oppositions, a wise person tries to rise above them and sees oneness in the two.
             Then the question arises as to what is so sweet about adversity? .It is often said in anthropological circles that death is intimately connected with regeneration or creativity. Here death may be taken in its symbolic sense. People of ancient Egyptian civilisation too acknowledged this inter-connection as the annual flood of the river Nile after the drought was equated with the periodic death and rejuvenation (part of the cosmic principle). This has been developed in their mythology involving "Osiris", the god presiding over the river Nile. In most agricultural societies similar views can be found. .
             In a situation when life is at danger, our creative urge automatically comes into play to overcome the life-threatening forces. When chased by a murderer, a person can jump over a high wall, an accomplishment, which in ordinary circumstances he could not have achieved.
             It has been experimentally proved that two plants of tomato growing in two different pots with differing quality of nutrition and protection produce different results. The one, which grows in adverse conditions and struggles for life certainly dies earlier, but it also produces flowers and vegetables before the other plant enjoying favourable conditions of growth. In other words, the one which does not get the favourable conditions of growth is biologically more productive and ensures that life-stream continues in its progeny even after its death. So creativity is directly related to resistance or crisis.


Essays Related to The Positive Effects of Adversity