Mutually Exclusive Approaches

I had begun writing a question, but it was so long I needed to re-frame it simply in fewer words. The basic theme of my question was: aren't some Buddhist techniques mutually exclusive? The simplest idea which comes to mind is traditional techniques of avoiding and analyzing detrimental states (e.g. Vitakka-Santhana Sutta ) versus the modern notion of mindfulness (e.g. Jon Kabat-Zinn ). I feel it is difficult to combine these two aspects. Similarly, I thought the way of emptiness as found, for example, in the Dalai Lama's book *The Middle Way* alters completely all reference for reality. With Nagarjuna's philosophy, nothing exists intrinsically in itself, but as dependently originated. *Dhammas* as ultimate and essential realities are invalidated. I cannot help but feel all these aspects of Buddhism are somewhat exclusive, to a degree. I could conceive their unity through a kind of symbiotic compromise, but I have trouble understanding at a mundane level (i.e. conventional reality) how these can interact. Thank you for your time.