This law of opposition is key to understanding the process of transformation. As Jung says, “There is no balance, no system of self-regulation, without opposition…Nothing so promotes the growth of consciousness as this inner confrontation of opposites…Only here, in life on earth, where opposites clash together, can the general level of consciousness be raised… That is probably why earthly life is of such great significance, and why it is that what a human being “brings over” at the time of death is so important.” The “tension of opposites which seek compensation in unity” brings about the all-important expansion of consciousness.

Within this context of necessary opposition, nothing is extra or superfluous. Everything on the path is seen as sacred. Everything has a lesson to teach us, even “mistakes.” As it is said in the Native American tradition, “Whenever the Creator gives you something, don’t hesitate. Grab it.”

            We therefore need to be conscious to be able to move out of the shadow, resolve any tension that comes our way, or to recognize grace when it arrives, as it often shows up when we need it most, but least expect it.

Grace can be essential in resolving the conflict of opposites. A parallel to the mythological motif of “supernatural aid” which comes at crucial points in the hero’s journey to assist the transformation process when it appears at a dead-end, grace is an assurance of protection and guidance, that we are never alone, and that we are in harmony with the forces of the universe. But everything can be seen as grace, too.

            As catalysts for our continued growth and transformation, opposition and adversity can be tests coming from the material world to teach us precisely what we need to release in order to become more attached to the spiritual realm.

Abdu’l-Baha clarifies this concept. “Grief and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent to us by the Divine Mercy for our own perfecting.” Grasping the spiritual meaning of adversity helps us recognize that there is a resolution to the seeming paradox of suffering in the world. It is suffering only if that is all we see it as.

            Knowing the purpose of adversity helps us recognize it as a great tool of personal and collective transformation. This physical world is designed to promote both our physical and spiritual growth. It is an illusion that this physical world is all there is. By it we gradually become aware that we are essentially spiritual beings. Our deepest, longest-lasting happiness lies in this expanded consciousness.

We have an innate need and capacity to overcome and resolve the difficulties and adversities we encounter. The pattern of transformation exists to maintain a balance between opposites and to show that there is an underlying order to such disorder. On the collective level, these natural, normal, and necessary contrasts are becoming more and more pronounced.