Rudy's interest in the workings of the human mind
includes a life-long fascination with the interaction of opposites;
hence his first book, The Alchemy of Opposites (New Falcon
Publications, 1998.) His second book, Integrating Opposites is
a fine practical workbook these principles.. His first Novel, The
Edge of Time, is in the works.
The Alchemy of Opposites section has various articles and book
snippets by Rudy as well as a place for members to ask questions and
express their feelings/opinions about their journey as a Conscious
Singles and particularly as it relates to this forum topic.
This page lists the contents of the section
Also on this page is the beinning of an
introduction to the concept of
the Alchemy of Opposites below
This section has two excerpts from his book:
The Ego and its Function
Flesh/Spirit
And lastly this particular page will address the very specific
questions and issues related to
The Alchemy of Opposite which we are excited to be hosting here.
The Alchemy of Opposites by Rudy
Scarfalloto
What is alchemy? "Your biggest Weakness shall become your greatest
strength." This biblical statement elegantly describes the essence of
alchemy. Alchemy, in the broadest sense, refers to the process of
changing something useless or harmful into something beneficial. The
key to understanding alchemy is that we are not replacing the bad with
the good. The wisdom of the alchemist is the wisdom that recognizes
weakness as the very substance from which we create strength.
more...
Q & A
Why do opposites attract?
Opposites attract because each side bares the seed of the other. This
true of all true polar opposites. Therefore, when they meet, they are
unlikely to simply ignore each other. They will compete or form
intimate relationship. Either way, they are powerfully (and perhaps
unconsciously) drawn to each other by the deep desire to bring forth
those hidden parts of self.
To the extent that we recognize and accept the seed of the other
within ourselves, we form intimate relationship with our perceived
polar opposite. To the extent that the seed is repressed, denied or
rejected, we will attack it when it is encountered in the outer world.
If each party is not repressing the seed of the other within self, any
competitive instinct that may arise will tend to evolve into intimacy.
The competition is temporary, but the intimacy endures because it is
natural for competition to evolve into intimacy. Such evolution occurs
when the competitive instinct is expressed in way that is up close and
honest. Genuine competition tends to evolve into genuine intimacy.
How do I balance my need to be in relatiohsip with my need for
solitude?
Q: How do I balance my need to be in relatiohsip with my
need for solitude?
ANSWER:
For most of us, the desire to be in relationship asserts itself
naturally after a long enough period of alone time. The reverse is
also true. No matter how well we relate to others and enjoy
friendship, we eventually feel the urge to seek solitude so as to
reconnect with ourselves in ways that would be virtually impossible
while relating to others.
Like other opposites, solitude and relationship naturally compliment
one another. If we have cultivated the ability to be alone in a way
that promotes deep reflection and inner peace, the result is a
tendency to be more genuine and at ease in relationship with others.
Likewise, the sense of fulfillment we experience in our relationship
creates its own sense of serenity which then allows us to value our
time of solitude. In other words, solitude prepares us for
relationship, while relationship prepares us for solitude. The
fulfillment of one usher's in a deeper expression of the other.
However, if relationship with others is used habitually to avoid the
discomfort of being alone, we cling excessively to our relationships.
The more we fear solitude, the more addicted we become to
relationships. Consequently, the relationships tend become chaotic or
unfulfilling.
The addiction works the other way too. If we favor solitude because we
fear the exposure of relationship, solitude will not prepare us for
relationship, but weakens our capacity to relate.
Therefore, one possible solution to chronic relationship issues is
quality alone time to reflect and integrate. Likewise, if we find
ourselves becoming overly serious or morbid in our solitude and
contemplation, we might simply need to get out more.
Rudy Scarfalloto was born on the island of Sicily in 1953, in a
village called Raddusa. He moved to Brooklyn, New York at the age of
eight with my parents, three brothers, and three sisters. He received
his Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Brooklyn College in 1976,
and his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at Life College in 1984.
He maintains a chiropractic practice in Atlanta Georgia, where he also
conducts seminars on health care and motivation.
