There is movement in balance. When we stop moving we get stuck ... and then we fall. When we breathe through our efforts we can stay balanced with ease.
Working with Marissa Campise on Ashley Koff's and HuffPo Living's Energy Makeover is making over my energy in a big way also. Marissa knows what she's working on. She is working to find the ease in her breath, movement and life. Ashley is weening her off the Red Bull, calming her system, and settling her mind. Marissa is coming into balance, and there is lots of movement along the way. We can all identify.
We all strive for balance, often moving to extremes to find ourselves somewhere in the middle where we can sustainably exist in optimal inspiration. Working toward balance takes a lot of ingredients. We need courage, reflection, attention, action, and a push and pull relationship between between effort and relaxation. In class lately we've been focusing on working with using what we need and resting what we don't. This helps to find efficiency in our bodies, minds, and lives.
This work brings the attention to our habits. Everything starts with awareness. Thankfully, we are made up of awareness, so we can always tap in. When we bring awareness to our habits, our fears and insecurities are illuminated and we can begin to work toward moving into balance. Sometimes we work too hard and miss the mark. Sometimes we are lazy and miss the mark. When we use what we need and rest what we don't, we perform our best and are simultaneously tapped into our highest intuition and ever-present awareness which reveals our path. All this is very practical. Working toward balance leads to optimal health, fewer doctor visits, fewer confrontations, fewer headaches, better sleep, higher productivity, and more enjoyment of life. It starts with the desire to be happy. From there we can begin the work.
What do you do to stay balanced? Have a wonderful day full of sustainable balanced, refreshing energy.
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I really like what you write.
I am a reformed unbalanced person, though I don't do yoga. Perhaps I should?
I worked around 60 hours a week and couldn't relax. I knew it was crazy but, hey what can you do? Well my wife knew what she wanted me to do. She wanted me to spend more time with her and our two little monkeys, er, I mean our two young boys.
I asked my boss if I could work part time but he said no. So I resigned. That was was in December 2002 and my life was fantastic. My head was clear, I played with my little children and went for walks along the beach with my wife.
My boss called in January 2003 and we negotiated a three day working week. Thursday to Sunday I get to be a man, a husband, a father. Monday to Wednesday I was a corporate suit. I had a great balance of life. I had more energy, was never ill, happier and, I think, a better person.
It is as you say, being balanced requires awareness and courage. I think also it requires a balanced view of life and what's important.
I have learnt to slow down when need be and to ramp up effort when required. I now teach people what I have learnt and have ditched (Australian for "throw away") the suits.
As Danny Kaye once sang "Life could not possibly better be"
Take care,
Frank
I just wanted to say that your posts make my day! I look forward to getting the notifications that you have posted again! Everyone should have a Tara that walks around with us everyday to keep us centered, balanced and on track!! Keep your posts coming. I am your biggest fan!
P.S. I named my cat TARA 3 years ago before I had ever heard of you...Karma?? Happy Losar!!