One of my life’s goals is to find balance, my equilibrium. But, doing so is as elusive as being able to keep my mind clear for even 20 seconds of a meditation.
Think about it: when you’re balanced, you can feel it. Everything seems to be running smoothly, you feel calm, healthy full of energy. It’s fantastic, right? Why can’t we feel it and maintain it all the time?
I read an article in Whole Living expelling the myths of balance. Here’s my 50 year-old take on a few of their myths and truths.
Myth: You must be even-tempered.
Truth: Balance includes a full range of emotions.
Balanced people are not the calm people we think they are. They have the full range of emotions, just like everyone else. They just figure out that it is ok to feel negative and positive emotions. They understand that balance comes from understanding moods and feelings, not suppressing them. I must be balanced because I have LOTS of emotions!
Myth: Balance is effortless.
Truth: Balance is efficient.
In physics, equilibrium is a state in which all external forces cancel each other out and no one force exerts dominance over the other (how’s that Dad?). That’s balance – you provide just the right amount of energy to all areas … like yoga. When you are focused like that, it’s effortless.
Myth: Balance is control.
Truth: Balance is being in flux.
Stability is not balance. The more we try to control (situations, people, possessions) the less we rely on our own internal strength and the less stability we have. I have found this in my own life with relationships, my kids and my own well being.
Myth: A balanced person is good at everything.
Truth: Balance requires prioritizing.
Have anyone of you experienced “Super Person syndrome?” The notion that we can do everything perfectly all the time? I used to ascribe to this philosophy. I fried myself out. Then I moved to the 80/20 rule. Now, I’ve lessened my grip to 70/30! It’s feeling better. The best way I’ve sabotaged my life is doing too much to please other people (and not myself) and not allowing for error.
So, maybe just for today, let’s stop spending time on things we don’t need to do and instead focus on the things and people we love. Cut ourselves some slack. And, understand that our quest for a balanced life is really a quest for an imbalanced one!
Have a great day!
theyearof50 