For me, its lesson is closer to Jungian Marion Woodman s concept of holding the tension of opposites. Our American culture doesn t support this impulse. Duality reigns supreme. You are either good or evil, light or dark. One of us, or one of them.
Opposites then define our world, and provide the grand illusion of safety.
Yet, in identifying completely with one aspect while rejecting its opposite, we create a cavity within. An empty space where compassion should dwell. Instead of grappling with the tension of our opposites and letting our energy flow freely, we use our vital energy to sustain our total identification. We get tight and rigid. And the void swells with our unknown, rejected and unacknowledged appetites.