August

Managing Contradictions

As August draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the art of managing contradictions—those moments when life presents us with seemingly opposing truths that we must hold simultaneously. This theme emerged powerfully from our recent women's group session, and this month has been full of such paradoxes. I'm learning that the goal isn't to resolve these contradictions but to dance skillfully with them.

I experienced this recently when I learned I wouldn't be teaching this semester due to low enrollment. I found myself feeling both disappointed and relieved—disappointed to miss the connection with students, yet relieved of another commitment that would free up time for other professional endeavors. Both feelings were completely valid and true at the same time.

Similarly, as I watch my garden transition and feel the subtle shift toward fall, I'm experiencing the contradiction of not wanting this warm, abundant season to end while simultaneously appreciating cooler temperatures and anticipating the beauty that comes with seasonal change. Both the grief of letting go and the excitement of what's coming feel equally real.

These experiences taught me that contradictions aren't problems to solve—they're the full spectrum of human experience asking us to expand our capacity to hold complexity.

Here are ways to skillfully manage life's contradictions:

• Hold multiple truths simultaneously - Practice saying "both/and" instead of "either/or" when facing conflicting feelings or situations

• Embrace the paradox of planning while staying present - Make thoughtful plans for the future while remaining fully engaged with what's happening now

• Stay rooted in who you are while remaining open to change - Honor your core values and identity while allowing for growth and evolution

• Accept impermanence while fully investing in the moment - Acknowledge that everything changes while still showing up wholeheartedly to your current experience

  
  

Your practical takeaway: Try the "Both/And Moment" practice. When you notice contradictory feelings or thoughts, pause and say: "I'm feeling both [feeling A] and [feeling B], and both are valid." Then ask: "How can I be fully present with what's here right now, knowing this moment won't last forever?" This helps you embrace complexity while anchoring in the present.

Brief Updates:

Our August 14th women's group session was another wonderful gathering! We dove deep into Emotional Wellbeing & Forward Movement with the extra time we needed, and the conversations were rich and meaningful.

As we look toward fall, I'm exploring potential schedule adjustments to better accommodate everyone's changing routines. I've tentatively held Thursday, September 18th at 4 PM ET, but I know some of our regular attendees and others interested have conflicts.

If you're interested in joining our supportive community, please email me. The investment remains $27 per session.

I'll follow up with everyone to confirm the date and time that works best.

Closing Reflection

My garden perfectly embodies August's contradictory abundance. The tomatoes are at their peak ripeness, while some leaves show the first hints of yellowing. Flowers bloom with stunning intensity even as they begin setting seeds for next year. Everything is simultaneously at its fullest expression and beginning its transition.

This contradictory abundance teaches me about living fully in the present while holding change lightly. The garden doesn't try to stop its natural progression, nor does it hold back from current blooming because fall is coming. It simply gives everything to this moment while gracefully preparing for the next. What a wonderful reminder and image to hold as we head into Labor Day weekend and slowly (I hope!) away from the summer heat.

What contradictions are you navigating in your own life right now? How might you hold them both more gently, allowing the fullness of your experience without needing to resolve every paradox?

“Without contraries is no progression.” —William Blake

“The confrontation of the two positions generates a tension charged with energy and creates a living, third thing.” —C.G. Jung