Finding balance can seem as elusive as it is valuable. Balance is fluid, not static, and we tend to move in and out of balance depending on our choices. Being in balance usually brings a sense of calm and an ability to think and see clearly. When we are out of balance we may experience exhaustion or irritability, perhaps even become ill. One way to explore the concept of balance in our lives is by looking at the relationship between our internal and external orientation as we travel through our days. An overly external focus on work and activities and doing things may leave us little time to address the inner workings of our heart and mind. And spending too much in reflection and thought may cause us to miss some wonderful life experiences. When we devote an excess of energy to one thing we may find ourselves being drawn out of balance, losing our calm and our ability to see and think clearly.... which of course makes the goal of finding balance more challenging.
Some techniques and tools for increasing balance:
Do an inventory of how you spend your time. Pay attention to self care regarding diet, sleep, relaxation, and exercise. Be honest with yourself and notice aspects that you are neglecting. If there is an imbalance between doing and being, choose to assign specific segments of time to tasks that will bring your lifestyle into a better equilibrium.
Minimize toxic exposure. This includes emotionally toxic influences as well as physical pollutants. There are times when we cannot avoid interaction with people who are critical or who carry negative attitudes, but we can choose to recognize that they are responding to their own inner experience and their behavior likely has nothing to do with us personally. To avoid ingesting the negativity of another, I like the image of the antagonistic energies as mist in the wind that may blow all around me but do not stay with me for long.
Connect with and pay attention to those you care about. Instead of zoning out in front of the TV or computer, engage with your loved ones and connect with the larger would around you. Make time to do the things you love even if for brief periods; ten minutes of exercise is a better option than doing none because you don't have time for your whole routine. Open your heart and express your feelings. Expand your awareness and learn something new by asking questions. Laugh. Cultivate humor and appreciation and gratitude. Wear a smile even as you are herding cats.
What does balance look like to you? Think about an image that represents balance for you. It may be stones resting atop one another or a vision of the galaxy's stars and planets in the sky. See it in your mind and allow yourself to feel it in your body. Return to this image on a daily basis and whenever you feel out of balance. Perhaps you might make a display that you can put in a place where you will see it regularly.
In yoga's tree pose we stand on one leg finding our relationship with the ground and the space around us as our limbs move and as they are still. And when we fall out of the posture, we take a breath and lovingly and without judgement bring ourselves back into it. Learn to let go of negative and critical beliefs that limit your potential for joy. A huge part of balance lives in attitude and vision. Set goals and plan tasks and be kind to yourself along the way.
Some techniques and tools for increasing balance:
Do an inventory of how you spend your time. Pay attention to self care regarding diet, sleep, relaxation, and exercise. Be honest with yourself and notice aspects that you are neglecting. If there is an imbalance between doing and being, choose to assign specific segments of time to tasks that will bring your lifestyle into a better equilibrium.
Minimize toxic exposure. This includes emotionally toxic influences as well as physical pollutants. There are times when we cannot avoid interaction with people who are critical or who carry negative attitudes, but we can choose to recognize that they are responding to their own inner experience and their behavior likely has nothing to do with us personally. To avoid ingesting the negativity of another, I like the image of the antagonistic energies as mist in the wind that may blow all around me but do not stay with me for long.
Connect with and pay attention to those you care about. Instead of zoning out in front of the TV or computer, engage with your loved ones and connect with the larger would around you. Make time to do the things you love even if for brief periods; ten minutes of exercise is a better option than doing none because you don't have time for your whole routine. Open your heart and express your feelings. Expand your awareness and learn something new by asking questions. Laugh. Cultivate humor and appreciation and gratitude. Wear a smile even as you are herding cats.
What does balance look like to you? Think about an image that represents balance for you. It may be stones resting atop one another or a vision of the galaxy's stars and planets in the sky. See it in your mind and allow yourself to feel it in your body. Return to this image on a daily basis and whenever you feel out of balance. Perhaps you might make a display that you can put in a place where you will see it regularly.
In yoga's tree pose we stand on one leg finding our relationship with the ground and the space around us as our limbs move and as they are still. And when we fall out of the posture, we take a breath and lovingly and without judgement bring ourselves back into it. Learn to let go of negative and critical beliefs that limit your potential for joy. A huge part of balance lives in attitude and vision. Set goals and plan tasks and be kind to yourself along the way.
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