Finding a sense of balance within
We are often clouded by responsibilities at home, work, in our relationships and within our families that finding a sense of balance may often feel out of reach. Additionally, we sometimes assume that balance can only be achieved in a perfect and almost non existent sense where everything is perfectly equal. However, balance is so much more than that. Balance is the practice of choosing to come back to ourselves, our body and finding a sense of inner peace - no matter what is going on around us.
What does balance really mean?
While we have been sold on the idea that balance is an endpoint where everything looks and feels harmonious, balance is a process and a choice. A choice to come into the present moment to feel, to assess and to choose how to act in the moment and in response to a situation.
Balance can be the choice to work less hours in order to spend more time with your young children. Balance can be going for a walk with a friend to a cafe to go eat a sweet treat.
The way in which we honor and choose to find a sense of balance is constantly shifting based off of our personal needs, the situation and so much more.
Why finding balance is an internal process…
In life, there will always be so many things that feel and are out of our control. This may be the schedule your corporate job demands of you, people’s responses to certain situations, or even the weather - just to name a few. Part of the process of tuning inward to find a sense of balance allows us to take back a sense of control and ownership of our lives and experience. When you continue to practice finding a sense of balance within, dealing with life’s challenges can feel a whole lot easier and cause us less distress.
Tools and practices for finding a sense of balance within
Mindful breathing: through the experience of mindful and present breath, you can start to regulate and soothe your reaction to situations that may feel triggering. Balance is about that choice, so when we practice long and deep breathing, you are able to choose to come into the present moment when things may bring up challenging emotions up for you.
Somatic healing: use movement of your body as an experiment and a source of play to experiment with your reactions to balance or feelings when it is not present. Maybe you start by balancing on one leg and see how you feel in the moment as well as your reaction when you may fall out of it.
Creative expression: use the visual art-making process as a way to start to explore the idea of balance. Maybe on one side of a page you create something heavy and chaotic - on the other the opposite. In the middle you can start to find that “sweet spot” of what balance would mean for you.
Journaling: take some time in reflecting on your relationship to balance - you can explore the meaning of the word for yourself, limiting beliefs or thoughts associated and ways in which you would like to explore or find a greater sense of balance in your life.
Finding a sense of balance within is an ongoing process. One that involves the constant re-evaluation and exploration based off of circumstance, your emotions and season of your life.
The start of the Fall Equinox is a time to explore and lean into the theme of balance - whether it be exploring it for the first time or reassessing your relationship to it. Join me on September 26 at 6:30 PM at Daily Flows Movement Studio as I co-host a Fall Equinox Women’s Circle to honor the theme of balance and the new season through creative self-expression, journaling and community. Limited tickets are available and they are $30 each. Click here to purchase your tickets today!
