The one about corollaries.

If you’ve been doing Shiva Nata for a while, you’re already used to contradiction. And paradox. Ahahahaha. Yes.

I am right but I am also wrong.

I recognize the pattern but I can’t explain it or repeat it.

One thing is true but uh oh its opposite is apparently also true.

That’s just how Shiva Nata works. You end up dealing with these constant moments of recognition and understanding that two seemingly contradictory things can be true at the same time.

Maybe it’s that all this new neural connectivity means you’re getting better at holding a thought and its opposite at the same time.

Maybe it’s because all the flailing around and mixing it up (or the permission to flail and mix) helps you release various internal and external rules about how things are supposed to be.

Either way, whenever you encounter a rule or a principle in Shiva Nata, you can always assume that this rule has a corollary. Or at least a couple of important caveats.

Why am I telling you this?

Because I’ve been writing up a series of essays for the lovely people coming to the Shiva Nata September Training Intensive — the Academy of Hilarity & Play.

And pretty much everything I say comes with a second half where I totally contradict the first half.

And both sides are right. Both sides are powerful. They each tell part of a story.

So it’s on my mind.

And also because I’m sure you’ve also noticed examples of this in the practice.

Like this old favorite:

Form is not at all important! Form is so important!

I’ve kind of talked about that before, but there’s so much more to say. And believe me, we’re not done covering that one.

Anyway, when you encounter a shivanautical paradox and it’s breaking your brain, bring it back to the practice.

Set the intention that you want to understand how this contradiction isn’t actually a contradiction. Or how both parts can be true. Ask the practice to show you the piece that is still out of reach.

And see what happens…