Reconciling Opposing Forces

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

This applies to every aspect of life – from spiritual endeavors to everyday decisions. There must be these two forces present to bring about a reconciliation. In the Work, we speak of three forces which very much demonstrate how the reconciliation of the two opposing forces leads to manifestation. They are known as the active, passive, and reconciling forces. We must always strive to recognize the Third Force (reconciling) in all that we do.

In a present moment, if we can hold both the yes and the no of the opposing forces in front of us, we will come to reconciliation and acceptance. In her book, “Comfortable With Uncertainty,” Pema Chodron emphasizes the importance of abiding in the chaos. This is the action of holding two opposing forces in our field of observation.

Here is my description of the reconciling Third Force back in 2021:

“Everything we do, think, and feel influences both our inner and outer world. Where the inner and outer meet is truly a remarkable place. We really are one with God, with Nature, with all we come in contact with, and also, with ourselves. There is a magical place where it all meets up.

This is a place of reconciliation where the mighty Third Force abides.”  from The Third Force: A Place Of Reconciliation, MKF 2021

If we can observe two warring factions (active and passive) within ourselves through presence, we gain a great deal of inner understanding. We can also be in situations in which we ourselves impose opposition on purpose in order to push against that condition; not to bypass something (for example, a negative feeling), but to recognize it in a new way.

Wishing things were different is very much a situation in which we find ourselves unintentionally opposing what is. It creates a great deal of suffering and provides no reconciliation whatsoever. We know that both forces exist: one of unacceptance and one of what really is, but our ability to hold those two forces together brings about the magical force; in this case, the third force of acceptance. Seeing the two together in presence gives us access to moving forward. We have enough strength to hold the chaos that is us.

Active and passive forces exist within ourselves. The Third Force can be seen as a reconciliation. It can be found in our actions in the outer world or within a process.

It feels like a melting point, a giving way, an effort-no-effort kind of place.

In this work, we aren’t necessarily seeking a way to improve or fix, simply to see. So the Third Force is not a goal, per se, but its arrival is a liberation from our default state of identification. Self observation as an active force is a key tool which can bring about the Third Force which breaks the pattern.

Self observation can be an intentional active force to push against inner conflict. First, we have to learn how to observe through presence, which does not come naturally. The second requirement of self observation is to not change or correct the feelings or behavior that we are witnessing. We can then be with any opposition and see more about it.

If we are confronting an unskillful behavior of some kind, we have to catch ourselves in the act through presence. This pushes against the action itself without changing it, and something melts in us. We see ourselves more objectively.

The act of justifying a certain addiction or behavior is also an opposing force. One part of us wants to give in and one part of us knows it's the very thing we don't want to do. Those two states can exist in us simultaneously, but we have to see them in the moment and understand that they are both identified states to bring about reconciliation.

Without self observation, we simply compartmentalize into one side or the other, fall prey to that preference, and then feel guilt or shame. This is a common pattern. We've learned to identify with our weakness, guilt, and shame. Basically we identify with our unworthiness, which then dictates our behavior and choices. It becomes the predominant pattern.

When we are identified, there is no escape. The Third Force happens when we are able to see those two opposing forces in front of us objectively and understand how we are attached. We see it in a new way and are able to act differently.

In conclusion, we can assume that there will always be opposing forces to our actions, plans, and the situations we find ourselves in. When we expect an opposing force, It is more readily recognizable as part of the process. It is less threatening as an unsurmountable obstacle.

The ability to recognize all three forces is a superpower in spiritual transformation. It is the key to becoming free of our negative emotions, reactions, and conditioned behavior.

Molly Knight Forde is the founder of the Awareness School and author of Be Present: Reflections On The Way.

If you are interested in meditation and practices of presence, consider taking the Practical Awareness 10-Module Course offered yearly. 

Seeking a spiritual community?

You can become a member of the Awareness School anytime. Click here for more information: https://www.awarenessschool.com/memberships