Find Hope: Many Things Are True At Once

“Polarity exists so that we may discover the truth beyond this world of duality, which is the ultimate purpose of life.” ~ Dashama Konah Gordon

Around the globe, many are experiencing deep frustration, pain and despair right now. And, some are staying curious and exploring radical new ways of being and seeing. Most of us are dancing with both.

Yesterday, I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time. She asked how I was doing. I paused (I’m a get real or go home gal). I recalled feeling down this morning after reading a news article … and experiencing excitement yesterday after hearing about my friend’s new nonprofit (and receiving joyful emails about my women’s April creativity conference). I smiled, recollecting these highs and lows, and said, “I’m remembering that many things are true at once.”

While many of us are concerned about seemingly illogical policy changes in the U.S., my colleagues and I in the field of women’s empowerment are also seeing women rise up like never before: writing books, taking action to support children’s rights, discovering hidden artistic talents, speaking out against injustices, collaborating with other women and more. 

The concept of living with extreme opposite feelings—or what I like to call polarities—is not new. From as far back as we can remember, we’ve been fascinated with the balance between light and dark, contraction and expansion, life and death and how close tears are to laughter. Polarities are everywhere.

In fact, many of my colleagues in the field of mindfulness, neuroscience and leadership believe polarity—creating consciously from wholeness—is the key to unleashing enormous untapped potential.

Richard Rohr, author of Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, says, “The dualistic mind is essentially binary, either/or thinking. It knows by comparison, opposition, and differentiation. It uses descriptive words like good/evil, pretty/ugly, smart/stupid, not realizing there may be a hundred degrees between the two ends of each spectrum. The dualistic mind limits our ability to feel fully as it cannot process things like infinity, mystery, God, grace, suffering, sexuality, death or love.”

If we are able to hold opposite feelings and experiences: frustrations—that are very real—and our highest aspirations, we open ourselves up to a vast space of possibility: to the great wide open.

I encourage you to pause and be open to the many gifts that can come from this thinking. Pull up two chairs and invite the extremes you’re experiencing to tea. What would they share? As you consider the concept of polarities, you might ask yourself:

• What are the current polarities I’m observing in my life/career/relationships?
• Which end of the spectrum do I tend to gravitate towards (continuously hopeful/optimistic or chronically negative and discouraged)?
• Am I comfortable holding extreme emotional states in the same space or do I want them at opposite ends of the building?!
• If I were to describe this dance (of extremes) would it be a waltz or Michael Jackson’s “Thriller?”
• What opportunities might come forth from “being” with both extremes (i.e. shifts, new perspectives, ideas, etc.)?

As you compassionately examine areas of your life where polarities exist, consider what brilliant breakthroughs might be awaiting if you’re willing to start pausing, become curious, listen more, and include “and” as often as you include “or” in your debates. Many things are true at once.

Warmly,

READY TO MAKE YOUR SELF-CARE A PRIORITY? HERE ARE FOUR OPPORTUNITIES!

• *EARLY BIRD RATE THROUGH 3/3* April 25, 2025 ~ Tending Your Creative Fire: A North Carolina Women’s Retreat ~ 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Lake Logan Retreat Center, Canton, NC (above). Join women from across NC/Southeast as we enjoy a day of deep replenishment and renewal and reflect on “What is uniquely mine to do? Special discount for hurricane Helene victims. An ideal retreat to bring family/friends to and enjoy a weekend in the mountains.  Learn more/register here.
• Wild Souls Nature Adventures (based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC): authentic movement classes, community song circles, full moon hikes, meditation/resiliency workshops, women’s circles & more. Have me design a custom experience for your team/friends. Join us for our next Wild Souls Authentic Movement Classes near Asheville, NC. Next class: March 2nd.  Learn more.
• *Empower women in your area!* Secrets to Facilitating Life-Changing Women’s Groups/Retreats in Uncertain Times ~ an online, self-paced mentoring course. Would you like to empower women in your area in 2025 through facilitating women’s groups/retreats? Based on Renee’s 30+ years experience training 450+ facilitators and teaching at world-renowned retreat centers like Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, this supportive, empowering on-demand video course offers everything you need to start facilitating women’s circles and retreats. Only $195. Learn more.
• Schedule me to speak in 2025-26. Did you know my primary work is speaking professionally at national/regional conferences, employee events and to companies/organizations worldwide? I love weaving neuroscience, life balance strategies, mindfulness & resiliency practices to create unforgettable workshops & presentations that help people feel more creative, focused, resourced and alive. Learn more about my speaking here.