name: paradox-navigation
description: "This skill should be used when patterns seem contradictory but both feel true, user is stuck in either/or thinking, theoretical and empirical streams seem irreconcilable, or user mentions 'paradox', 'tension', 'contradiction', 'both/and'. Helps integrate opposites at a higher level."

paradox-navigation

Navigate apparent contradictions and integrate tensions using contemplative reasoning. Invokes Lotus Wisdom MCP with qualitative research framing.

When to Use

Use this skill when:
- Patterns seem contradictory but both feel true
- User is stuck in either/or thinking
- Theoretical and empirical streams seem irreconcilable
- User mentions "paradox", "tension", "contradiction", "both/and"
- Pattern characterizations overlap in confusing ways
- Integration feels impossible

MCP Used

Lotus Wisdom (bundled, no API key required)

How It Works

Lotus Wisdom applies contemplative problem-solving through five domains:

1. Skillful Means (Upaya)

Different approaches to truth - sometimes direct, sometimes gradual.

2. Non-Dual Recognition

Seeing how apparent opposites can be integrated at a higher level.

3. Meta-Cognitive

The mind watching its own understanding - reflexivity in action.

4. Process Flow

Natural arcs of inquiry - open, engage, express, complete.

5. Meditation

Pauses to let insights emerge from stillness.

When to Invoke

Stage 1

• When emergent themes seem contradictory
• "Participants say X but also Y..."

Stage 2 Phase 2

• Navigating tensions between theoretical and empirical patterns
• "The literature says... but my data shows..."

Stage 2 Phase 3

• When patterns overlap in confusing ways
• "These two themes seem both distinct and the same..."

Stage 3

• Integrating diverse findings into coherent theory
• Moving from tension to theoretical contribution

Invocation Pattern

Use Lotus Wisdom to navigate this tension:

Apparent Contradiction:
- On one hand: [First perspective]
- On the other hand: [Second perspective]

Context:
- Research question: [from config]
- Why this matters: [stakes of resolution]

Help me see if there's a higher integration or if the tension itself
is meaningful for my theorizing.

Example Prompts

Pattern Overlap

Help me navigate this tension in my data:

Pattern A: Participants describe wanting more autonomy
Pattern B: Same participants describe wanting more guidance

Is this a contradiction? A paradox? Something else?
What might integration look like?

Theory-Data Tension

Navigate this tension:

Theoretical expectation: Sensemaking is retrospective (Weick)
Empirical finding: Participants describe prospective sensemaking

Is my data challenging theory, or am I misunderstanding something?

Concept Boundaries

Two concepts seem to overlap:
- "Selective symptom tracking"
- "Personalizing medical advice"

Are these the same thing? Different aspects? A continuum?
Help me see what I might be missing.

Output Characteristics

Lotus Wisdom produces:
- Beautiful visualizations with symbols
- Multiple perspective integration
- Meditation pauses for reflection
- Recognition of non-dual possibilities

Sample output structure:

Opening: Recognizing the apparent contradiction
Engage: Examining each side deeply
Transform: Seeking the higher integration
Integrate: What holds both truths
Embody: How this changes your understanding

Philosophical Alignment

Lotus Wisdom is particularly appropriate for:
- Constructivist research - Multiple realities coexist
- Interpretivist work - Tensions can be productive
- Theory building - Paradox often signals theoretical opportunity

The tool doesn't resolve tensions by choosing sides - it helps you see how both can be true at different levels of analysis.

Integration Notes

• Complements Sequential Thinking - ST for step-by-step, LW for paradox
• Supports reflexivity - Makes your interpretive stance explicit
• Preserves complexity - Doesn't flatten nuance

Related

• MCPs: Lotus Wisdom (bundled)
• Commands: /qual-wisdom-check triggers this skill
• Skills: deep-reasoning for step-by-step, coherence-check for assumptions