So, I feel as though a disproportionate part of my days lately are occupied with discussions about Balance… Hmm weird that the” balance talks” seem to predominate thoughts, isn’t that in fact counter intuitive to the desired outcome.. of, balance?
I thought of defining balance, albeit cliche I was expecting the definition of balance to launch my thoughts into the direction that would resonate with me, and with many, leading to some sort of awakening of the spirit to obtain this coveted “balance”. Did you know there are 31 different definitions of the word Balance? I didn’t either. No WONDER it is so sought after, and for some reason so seemingly unattainable.
So, first, I must ask, what is it about Balance that we all seem to desire? Why is this subject at the forefront of so many conversations and focuses? I go to yoga, the instructor sets an intention for the class..to, you guessed it “have balance in our lives”… of course, this makes me go into a small panic as I know “tree” “eagle” and “crow” poses to name a few, are in my immediate future. So, even as I breathe through dancers pose, which makes me feel more like the proverbial bull in a china shop than the graceful dancer, I struggle to focus on balance in life. As I am only in my physical body and need to concentrate fully to hold a pose.
I started studying the law of attraction. This too is in an effort to obtain Balance in my life. In not knowing where a new business was heading, I was in need of an outlet for my thoughts. I was drawn to the Law of attraction aka the secret based on its positive outlook and basis in science. But, does it make me have more balance by meditating on something in the future? Are visualizations more so than my previous form of meditation which essentially involved starring at my foot or watching some silly show such as those created by Seth MacFarlane. Is it more balanced, or does it really mean I am just more focused. If one were truly balanced, wouldn’t they then spend equal time at work, at play, at worship, at fitness, with friends, alone, etc? Is it true what Bertrand Russell said: The time you enjoy wasting, in not wasted time? Does then, wasting time add to a more balanced life? Ugh. This is why there are 31 definitions of a seemingly simple word.
I believe that many things that initially appear simple, often, are challenging to obtain. So, with that, I have come up with my own modified version. To live a balanced life means to enjoy as many things as you can, to experience new things as often as you can while continuing to harbor your existing hobbies and activities that you enjoy. Some days should be surrounded by friends and family with never ending conversations and obnoxiously loud laughter, while other days should be spent solo, or perhaps just with your pet, quietly reading a book or creating art. To be strong in your community involvement and educating yourself about foreign lands and peoples. To exercise, some days hard, some days slower. To eat healthy and once and a while indulge in your favorite decadent treat. To always treat other well. To try to listen more than you speak. To really listen. To listen so well you really hear what the other person is saying. To love. If someone is in your life who loves you and you love them back, love them fully. Always love yourself first. To not have stress in trying to do things that you love. To breathe. To Live.
With that, the definition from the dictionary that resonated with me was the 3rd definition: Mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.
Enjoy what you like. Make time for those you love. Remember to laugh every day. Stay balanced in trying to stay balanced. Cheers!
By: Anne Sleeman
