Exploring polarity:
Polarity is the concept of opposites; this can be literal physical things, opinions, perceptions, or contradictions. In my practice it is a concept we play with in the sense that we look for opposites that are not in competition with one another; they may complement each other or even rely on each other to exist.
Many examples exist in nature: night and day, high and low tides, life and death, hot and cold, happiness and sadness, sleep and awake, rest and activity. These things do not compete with each other, they exist in harmony with each other- although opposite.
Invitation:
Participate in a mindfulness meditation. You can do this by using any number of apps or recordings or by following my directions below. Take a moment to become aware of your breathing. Notice where it enters and exits your body. Notice where you feel it most in your body. Make an effort to deepen your breath, pulling it into your belly. Once full, pause a moment and exhale. Continue to practice this for a few more breaths. Notice if there is any tension in your body and direct the inhale there, focus on letting go on the exhale. Notice your thoughts come and go, bringing your attention back to your breathing.
*Notice how even in breathing polarity exists: inhale and exhale, tension and relaxation, expansion and contraction; neither in competition with the other, each reliant on the other to exist.
Once this breathing and reflection feels complete, use any material that feels intuitive to you to explore POLARITY. Use any images or words that come to mind.
Reflect and expand:
Take a moment to reflect on what you have created. Notice what feelings came up for you and notice if your understanding of this concept has deepened. This concept carries over to include our perceptions. At times, we can feel confused by our seemingly opposing emotions and perceptions. Play with the activity below, using images, words, or by journalling about the things in your life that are opposite, yet both true. I've listed a few of my own to get you started...
Truth:
I am adopted.
My mom loved me.
Learning the truth has been a blessing.
I feel betrayed, angry, hurt, lost, and alone.
My mom lied to me.
Being vulnerable feels impossible and hopeless.
Opposing but also true:
I am not adopted.
My mom feared me.
Learning the truth has been really, really hard and nearly broken me at times.
I feel protected, happy, loved, and found.
My mom told me the truth.
Being vulnerable feels possible and hopeful.
Connect:
Please consider sharing this part of your journey with others; whether in your real life at home, or with us online. Please submit pieces to me, and specify who your would like the piece to be credited to. You can also share with me personally and chose to keep it confidential between us.