Opponent processing refers to a system in which two entities are in some way opposed yet also in integrated relationship with one another.
In the case of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions have opposing biases, but they are causally bound together. A dynamic, push-pull relationship between the two not only strengthens and develops each of the individual branches, but the health of the nervous system as a whole.
It is precisely because of a contrasting force playing its part that a given entity is able to further realize its potential. Timothy Gallwey illustrates this point in the context of tennis:
“In tennis, who is it that provides a person with the obstacles he needs in order to experience his highest limits? His opponent, of course! Then is your opponent a friend or an enemy? He is a friend to the extent that he does his best to make things difficult for you. Only by playing the role of your enemy does he become your true friend. Only by competing with you does he in fact cooperate.”
This is distinct from adversarial processing, where an entity only ‘succeeds’ when its adversary is vanquished or destroyed.
Adversarial processing is a zero sum status game. Opponent processing is an infinite game wherein the contrasting entities within a given system mutually afford, grow, and discover deeper layers of themselves, thereby evolving as individuals and as a collective.
Plato used the word metaxis to refer to an inherent in-betweenness in being human. A state of being between polarities - the imminent and the transcendent, the finite and the infinite, what came before and what’s yet to come.
An experiential touchstone of this in-betweenness is a certain sense of tension, a tension that is intrinsic to opponent processing. This creative tension is the felt meeting point between entities.
To reflexively avoid or search for permanent resolution of this tension is to miss the mark. Creation doesn’t happen in spite of tension, but through and because of it.
“The Greeks have these two broad classes of myth. The hubris to remind us that we’re finite, and the heroic to call us to transcendence. And they’re constantly playing off each other. And there is no final myth that resolves them, because we should not. This is the problem with perfection, perfection wants to resolve the tension in a final rest. But resolving the tension is to remove the opponent process that is actually the deep functionality of meaning making.” - John Vervaeke1
I’m learning:
To see intelligent entities in opponent processes where I used to see adversaries.
Tension itself isn’t a sign something is wrong. It’s a sign something is right, that something is alive.
To honor and hold the one who fears the tension as an intelligent entity himself, while also developing the capacity to be with and lean in.
Has me thinking about the gravity of the earth as a meaningful and ever present opponent.
Yes! That is so much of my experience of this complicated, intensely painful and exquisite existence. And also…potentially the title I have be searching for for one of my new poems! Thanks;)