Balance, Schmalance

Anyone else noticing that Balance is one of the hot buzzwords?

Now y’all might disagree with me, but I think the the use of the word “balance” has been overkill.  No wonder, though.  In our chaotic world, a little bit of everything being equal and accounted for sounds quite delightful.  So what is it that we really want out of achieving balance.  And, really, what does this word even mean?

I recently had a very nice interaction with a chiropractic colleague on Facebook regarding this very topic.  His provoking question was, “Do you seek health or balance?”  I thought this was a great conversation starter and really got me thinking.  We tend to think that Health and Balance are one in the same.

Read below for the actual definition of balance, according to the online Webster Dictionary.

From the online Webster’s Dictionary

As you can see, two dominant words in the definition are “equilibrium” and “static.”

In my humble  opinion, I would have to agree:  Balance = Static

Now if you look at the–ahem–finely crafted graphic below (yes, I made them myself), this is traditionally how we view balance–

Does it look like there is any movement when you are balancing?

No momentum, no movement, no ride….

The graphics below give a more accurate representation of how “balance” truly shows up in our lives.

See…Up’s and Down’s…constant movement and momentum

When you say “Balance,” you are really seeking the ability to give appropriate time and energy to priorities in your life–NOT necessarily seeking stasis.  Of course, distribution varies depending on personal values.  You may value your spiritual practice more than career, or career more than spirituality, or value both equally.  What you truly desire is to be able to devote yourself to the things that are important to you.

Energy is constantly moving between the various areas of your life.

One area is never completely separate from another because there is always  a common denominator–YOU!

It’s those times of being off-balance that cause you to want to seek a more balanced state.  Your greatest times of growth and progress are when you have deviated from balance, and chaos has become the dominant state–even if just for a moment.  This opportunity–often disguised as an obstacle–is perfect for you to take a more accurate inventory for your life.

Am I spending the time I want with my family?  Are my finances working?  Is my relationship satisfying?  Do I feel able to take care of myself?

When you are living your life out of alignment with who you are, something will always come up to get you to pay attention and change what you’re doing.  This is to get you back into alignment with who you are.

So, I encourage you to embrace when things feel off-balance as it pushes you to reorganize your current way of living to move back to a state of “balance.”

October’s Focus: Accept What Is

In one sense, accepting what is, is a given.  What is–the reality of the moment–can’t be otherwise, so why fight it?  But acceptance doesn’t mean resignation.  It’s also an invitation to dig deeper.  That’s where we strike gold.  Beneath appearances lies a more nuanced level of reality.  It’s like looking at someone’s face and seeing the story behind it.  Everything is precious once we know how to look.

Octupus’s Garden

Sea creatures include some of the strangest species in nature:  think of the seahorse, the octopus, the starfish.  Face to face encounters with such animals give us food for thought about life itself.  An aquarium usually has subdued lighting, making it a perfect setting for meditation as you contemplate unfamiliar life-forms.  As a brave next step, consider the idea of learning to snorkel or dive–in a realm far from everyday routines.

Herbal Habitat

A small-scale windowsill herb garden is an excellent way to derive relaxation from the graceful art of nurturing–especially if you don’t have a pet.  Regard your herb garden as a miniature ecosystem of which you are chief warden.  Make it your responsibility to keep the herbs tidy and healthy.  Learning the Latin names of the herbs will help to instill a sense of pride.  When the time comes, be sure you get to sample the flavors.

Set Your Intention for August

My favorite part of summer is doing nothing special.  I’m taking time to relax and restore my energy so I can move into fall with renewed enthusiasm.

I like this affirmation for August, especially with Back to School season in full force!  Happy Wednesday everybody!

Fruit Harvest

Between blossom and fruit there is a long interlude of waiting…

From orchards, indeed from nature in general, we learn a humbling lesson about patience.  There are times when we can hasten the processes under our control–for example, we can work faster to build a wall.  But there are other times when we must accept our powerlessness:  all we can do is observe and protect the fruit crop.  Master the art of patience and you’ll know something important about the human condition.

Slow Down

Whoa…

All that activity these past few months is exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting.  Take time out to refresh and reflect on your progress.  Any adjustments you need to make to stay on track for your best year ever?  Take care of business, then settle down to simple, old-fashioned pleasures–gardening, midnight swims, badminton, family cookouts, shopping at the farmers’ market.  Organize your journal and any photos or videos you’ve taken.

Animal Totems

Shamans have always enjoyed a close relationship with animals, even creatures of the hunt.  Many seekers today work with an inner animal on a journey of self-development.  Such animals may help us find unexpected qualities within ourselves–a lion can help us find courage, a cat can sensitize our feelings.  Your intuition will tell you which animal is right for you.  Summon that creature as a companion in your meditations.  Use its instinctive wisdom to illuminate your path.

Curious about what your animal totem(s) is/are?  A very gifted artist, local to the Twin Cities, Jenifer Morrisette is a specialist in providing spiritual animal totem portraits.  For more information, click here to view her website and get to know Jen and the talent she has been given.

Set Your Intention for June

Nice little affirmation to keep your intention focused on Exploring Nature for June.  Enjoy!

Spending time in nature connects me with the great mystery of life.  I eat organic, recycle, and reuse, and tread lightly to minimize my impact on the Earth.

Practice: Love Letters

Once upon a time, friends, family, and lovers corresponded.  Whether written on cream vellum or a page torn from a notebook, their words reflected an investment of time and consideration–not a half-formed thought dashed off before pushing “Send.”  Revive the art of the letter.  Pick four people you cherish and send them each a handwritten note.  Be real, not florid.  Write from the heart.  Use beautiful stationery:  presentation counts.