Playing with
Polarities
52 hand-illustrated cards that hold two truths at once — a gentle tool for therapists, coaches, and anyone learning to feel both sides of an experience without rushing to choose.
Get the Card Deck — $18
Try a card before you buy the deck
Pick a card. Take a slow breath. Notice both words — let each side be felt.
See how each card works
Every card pairs two contrasting states — like Come / Go or Steady / Shaky — set against calming, nature-based imagery. There's no right side. Just curiosity.
Click "Draw a card" to see a sample from the deck.
Hey there,
I created Playing with Polarities as a reflective tool to support awareness, integration, and emotional balance. This deck is designed for moments when you want to pause, tune inward, and explore the natural tensions within your experience with curiosity and compassion. Rather than asking you to choose one side, the cards invite you to notice and hold both.
Each card presents two opposing yet connected states, offering a space to explore how both can be true at the same time. Some invite you to gently notice internal shifts, sensations, and emotions. Others help you reflect on patterns, relationships, and the ways you move between different states of being.
You might use the cards in therapy, journaling, mindfulness practices, movement, or personal reflection. There's no right way to use this deck — choose a card that resonates, draw one intuitively, and allow space for whatever arises.
A few sample cards from the deck
The imagery draws from nature and contrasting landscapes — grounded, calming scenes meant to evoke reflection, safety, and openness as you explore each side.
Illustrated cards
Each with two contrasting states rendered in soft, watercolor-style nature art.
How-to-use guide
A dedicated reference card walks you through pick, breathe, notice, and reflect.
Oaklander-inspired
Grounded in the Oaklander Model, as taught by Dr. Karen Fried.
Print-ready PDF
Download instantly and print at home, at a copy shop, or play on-screen.
Pick a card. Take a slow breath.
Pick a card
Take a slow breath before you turn it over.
Notice both words
Let each side be felt, without rushing past either one.
Both can be true
Explore each side. Notice what moves. Make room for both.
Stay curious
Reflect, write, or share if you wish. Draw another when you're ready.
Inspired by the Oaklander Model as taught by Dr. Karen Fried. This is a reflection tool, not therapy — please reach out for professional support if needed.
Wherever reflection happens
Therapists & counselorsBring a grounded, visual prompt into Gestalt, EMDR, and play-therapy sessions.
Coaches & facilitatorsOpen a session or workshop with a low-pressure way into self-awareness.
Journalers & self-reflectorsDraw a card for a quiet, personal mindfulness or writing practice.
Groups & movement practicesUse the cards to spark conversation in circles, classes, or retreats.
Ready to hold both sides?
52 cards. One gentle question, told two ways. Get instant access to the full digital deck.
Get the Card Deck — $18