Why Holding Paradox Matters
In Buddhism, the number 10,000 symbolically represents the immeasurable. I've been contemplating the Buddhist expression, ten thousand joys and sorrows. This phrase encapsulates life's unending ebb and flow of challenges, weaving a tapestry of both delight and despair into our life journey.
For me, mindfulness serves as a pathway to cultivate inner spaciousness, enabling me to simultaneously embrace the coexistence of delight and despair, joy and sorrow, and other seemingly paradoxical emotions. I define paradox as the intriguing coexistence of two seemingly distinct and separate elements that, upon closer examination, reveal their vital and inseparable relationship to each other.
We live in a complex and contradictory world which makes holding paradox an essential life and leadership skill. Psychologists and experts in organizational science have discovered that individuals who can welcome paradoxes demonstrate greater creativity and adaptability. In a world that continues to grow more complex and uncertain, creativity and adaptability are vital!
Embracing paradox enriches our lives by empowering us to navigate complexity, fostering intellectual and emotional growth, and enabling us to approach challenges with deeper wisdom and greater understanding. Instead of fearing contradiction, we can learn to welcome it. And I'm all for walking the path of greater fearlessness!
The change of seasons can be a powerful teacher of paradox. Fall is officially here in the Northern Hemisphere. Though the changing seasons in Southern California bear little resemblance to the ones I experienced growing up in New Jersey, this transition still manages to tug at my heartstrings. For those of you who, like me, grapple with the bittersweet arrival of autumn, I want to share the profound wisdom of Parker Palmer. His insights on this season serve as a poignant reminder, urging us to delve deeper into what he calls the "paradox of hidden wholeness."
Embracing the beauty and complexity of autumn might just be the solace we need during this time of change.
 Â
PSÂ
Educators: I'm still offering a huge discount on the SEL Every Day Courses. There are even greater discounts for multi-users and you have the option of earning 3-6 Graduate Credits.
SELENA GOMEZ AND THE RARE IMPACT FUND
In the fall of 2021, I received a serendipitous email in my inbox, asking to chat and learn more about the organization I co-founded, Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL). Why, you ask? Well, it turns out it had to do with a new fund that Selena Gomez, the singer/actor/philanthropist, was launching. We ended up becoming one of the mental health grantees through the Rare Impact Fund. Fast forward to October 2022, and I finally got to meet Selena in person. And to top it all off, I was featured in this video about the fund. The video had its big debut last night at a Rare Impact Fund benefit bash in Los Angeles, where I had the chance to connect with Selena again. Funding given to make a difference does, it is money blessed with the potential to transform lives. Finding the right philanthropic partners ensures that blessing is realized to its fullest! We are so grateful to Selena and the Rare Impact Team. Today, October 10th, World Mental Health Day, Sephora is generously donating 100% of their Rare Beauty sales to the Rare Impact Fund. If it's time to refresh your cosmetics collection, seize this moment. I'm personally a fan and have chosen the Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream in the shade TRANSFORM as my go-to lipstick. What's more, all Rare Beauty products are vegan and cruelty free, making it a responsible choice. If you are going to wear makeup, this is the way to go!
Meena's Newsletter
Offerings & insights from my heart to yours - delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign Up
