The law of averaging out

In spirituality and spiritual discourse, the concept of "the law of averaging out" can be understood as a principle that suggests finding balance and avoiding extremes in one's beliefs, practices, and attitudes. This principle emphasizes moderation, harmony, and equilibrium in spiritual pursuits, rather than adhering rigidly to extreme or dogmatic viewpoints.

Here's how the law of averaging out may apply to spirituality:

1. Avoiding Extremism: The law of averaging out encourages individuals to avoid extreme positions or ideologies in their spiritual beliefs and practices. Instead of embracing rigid dogma or fundamentalism, practitioners are encouraged to adopt a more flexible and open-minded approach that incorporates diverse perspectives and experiences.
2. Balancing Opposing Forces: In spiritual traditions that incorporate principles of duality or polarity, such as yin and yang in Taoism or the balance of energies in Hinduism, the law of averaging out emphasizes the importance of balancing opposing forces. This may involve integrating qualities such as light and darkness, action and contemplation, or masculine and feminine energies to achieve inner harmony and wholeness.
3. Cultivating Middle Way: The law of averaging out aligns with the concept of the Middle Way, which is central to many spiritual traditions, including Buddhism. The Middle Way emphasizes finding a path of moderation and balance between extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial, attachment and aversion, or materialism and asceticism.
4. Embracing Complexity: Spirituality often involves grappling with complex and paradoxical aspects of human existence, such as the coexistence of suffering and joy, impermanence and eternity, or individuality and interconnectedness. The law of averaging out encourages practitioners to embrace this complexity and ambiguity rather than seeking simplistic or absolute answers.
5. Cultivating Compassion and Understanding: By avoiding extremes and embracing balance, individuals in spiritual communities can cultivate qualities such as compassion, empathy, and understanding towards themselves and others. This fosters a sense of inclusivity, tolerance, and unity among diverse individuals with varying beliefs and backgrounds.

Overall, the law of averaging out in spirituality encourages individuals to navigate the complexities of spiritual life with wisdom, discernment, and humility. By embracing moderation, balance, and openness, practitioners can cultivate a deeper sense of connection, meaning, and fulfillment in their spiritual journeys.

Also, from another source:

The law of averaging out, while not a universally used term in spirituality, aligns with some core ideas in many spiritual traditions. Here's how it connects to the concept of avoiding extremes:

The Moderation Principle:

Many spiritual paths emphasize the importance of moderation and avoiding extremes. This can be seen in various ways:

• The Middle Way: In Buddhism, the Middle Way is a core principle that encourages avoiding extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial. It emphasizes finding a balanced path in all aspects of life.
• The Golden Mean: This concept, found in various philosophies and spiritual traditions, emphasizes finding a balance between two opposing qualities. For example, courage shouldn't turn into recklessness, and caution shouldn't become timidity.

The Law of Attraction (with a twist):

The Law of Attraction, though often presented in a more self-centered way, can also be interpreted as aligning with the law of averaging out. It suggests that focusing on negativity attracts negative experiences, while focusing on positivity attracts positive experiences. In this context, finding a balanced perspective, not dwelling on extremes of negativity or positivity, might be seen as more conducive to a fulfilling life.

Harmony and Integration:

Many spiritual traditions view the universe as a place of interconnectedness. The law of averaging out can be seen as a reflection of this interconnectedness. By integrating different aspects of ourselves and avoiding extremes, we achieve a state of greater harmony and wholeness.

Examples in Spiritual Practices:

• Yoga: Yoga practices often emphasize finding a balance between physical exertion and relaxation.
• Meditation: Meditation aims to cultivate a state of mental calmness, avoiding both agitation and dullness.
• Dietary Practices: Many spiritual traditions promote balanced diets that avoid extremes of overindulgence or deprivation.

Beyond Extremes, Towards Integration:

The law of averaging out goes beyond simply avoiding extremes. It's about integrating different aspects of ourselves and our experiences. Here are some additional points to consider:

• Embracing Duality: Many spiritual traditions acknowledge the inherent duality of existence (e.g., light and dark, joy and sorrow). The goal is not to eliminate either side, but to find a way to live with both in a balanced way.
• Finding Your Center: The concept of finding your center, a place of inner peace and stability, aligns with the law of averaging out. It's a place from which you can navigate the various experiences of life without being pulled to extremes.

Remember, spirituality is a personal journey. While the law of averaging out can be a helpful concept, the ultimate goal is to find the path that leads to your own inner balance and sense of wholeness.