Negative Capacity

The English poet John Keats first used the term negative capacity in a letter, where he used the term to describe the abilities of great writers. Keats writes, “several things dovetailed in my mind, and at once it struck me, what quality went to form a Man of Achievement, especially in Literature, and which Shakespeare possessed so enormously – I mean negative capability, that is when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.”

Freud as well as the psychoanalyst Wilfred Bion apply a similar concept in referring to evenly suspended attention or the capacity to tolerate ambiguity and bear anxiety without immediately acting in an attempt to resolve discomfort. In addition, negative capacity is echoed in Buddhist practices as seen most clearly in the practice of meditation and the focusing of attention on a single object or taking an observational stance towards thoughts, without judgement.

In contrast to action-oriented skills and coping strategies, or positive capabilities, negative capability is referred to as negative because it generally involves a less active stance. It involves being patient, listening, being attentive and curious, both to others and to oneself.

Building negative capacity can be viewed as a helpful coping strategy that promotes personal growth through better understanding ourselves and others. While reason and logic are important, it can sometimes be helpful to turn off these intellectual tools and get in touch with deeper experiences. Developing negative capacity supports open-mindedness and curiosity, both of which can be helpful in understanding ourselves and others better, leading to improved relationships and compassion for others. Negative capacity likewise supports creativity by opening space to new possibilities.

Tips for developing negative capacity:

Practice patience – recognize and come to expect that problems are part of life.

Practice the stoic pause – when feeling reactive, take a moment to pause and consider how much of your reaction is being caused by your evaluation of the circumstances. Is it really good or bad, or am I judging it to be good or bad?

Tolerate uncertainty – acknowledge when you do not know something and when the best action might be inaction.

Practice mindfulness mediation – take several minutes each day to sit and observe your thoughts with curiosity and without judgement.

Tune in emotionally – ask yourself how you are feeling throughout the day.

Foster present moment awareness – As described by Eckhart Tolle, recognize that your life is only happening now in this moment.

Practice being curious about the views of others as well as your own reactions.

Practice vulnerability – According to Bréne Brown, being vulnerable means to deal with uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. Stay in the moment of not knowing.

Dr. Thomas Lindquist, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Contact: t.lindquist.psyd@gmail.com