Life is a constantly shifting set of priorities, needs and wants. I find that creating harmony in one aspect of life causes another to fall by the way side. One’s career may be in a good place, but then one’s social life is off kilter. The kids are soaring academically, but then extracurricular activities have created hectic and turbulent afternoons. The scale may precariously rest in balance for a negligibly short time until it tips again toward one need or goal or priority. I am envious of those who seemingly do it all and do it all well. I secretly hope that their closets are messy or their cars have liter from the kid’s snacks just to make me feel better. Does anyone really have it all together balanced perfectly or is it just an illusion?
I love balance poses. The challenge to focus and remain steady while balancing on a leg in tree, dancer or eagle pose or on one’s arms in crow pose or a handstand always exists whether you are a newcomer to yoga or someone who has practiced for years. Finding that point of equilibrium helps satisfy our need to find balance in life.
Check out Yoga Journal’s balance sequence.
Here is a past post that I wrote on the subject of balance.
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May 3, 2010 at 1:48 am
Lisa Flynn / ChildLight Yoga
What a wonderful post. I am especially drawn to your question about those ‘buggers’ out there who seem to do it all and do it well, all with a peaceful smile on their face.
An illusion perhaps, but I think that sometimes the reason people seemingly have things in balance is because their own perception is as such. It’s not that they don’t have 10 bags of trash smelling up the garage, or that their child is not a grade level behind in math, or that they never have a headache. It’s their outlook, acceptance of, and nonattachment to things being a particular way (being okay with what is) that really decides whether or not they are or are not they are feeling balanced. Their perception of their circumstances is key.
There was a time when I was envious people who just seemed to float through life, taking what came as it came, always seeing the positive and practicing gratitude even in the midst of non-gratuitous situations. Quite honestly, I was irked by their nonchalance. And then I realized they were the ones who had it figured out! Over the years, thanks to yoga, I find I’m slowly turning into one of those people.
I love this: “Finding that point of equilibrium helps satisfy our need to find balance in life.” Yes! Doing balancing poses, taking time to find our breath, connect with our higher Self – for many of us, it’s exactly what makes non-attachment, non-reaction and being peaceful, even in the midst of the the most chaotic situations, even close to possible.
Thank you Jennifer. I’m inspired to do some more balance work…
May 6, 2010 at 11:52 am
karmaspot
Lisa, I think you are so right about non-attachment being the key to doing it all with a sense of grace and calm. I believe that you cannot let things “roll of one’s shoulders” if you have preconceived notions about how life should be. Being in the moment is the key. I loved this little guide that I read in the Oprah magazine once. Ask yourself if whatever conflict you are finding yourself in will matter in 5 minutes, a week from now, a year from now and then 5 years from now. Saying no to child’s want for candy and dealing with the resulting tantrum then becomes a non-issue as a week from now it won’t be remembered.
May 6, 2010 at 2:03 am
Amy/The PranaMama
This post comes to me at a time when I am struggling with balance – but then again, who isn’t? Your and Lisa’s comments are so helpful to me. I have been blessed to find professional fulfillment this past year, and I couldn’t be happier to be able to do it while being the primary caregiver for my kids. But I’m struggling in other areas – my asana practice, my social life, my health and wellness. I know those things need my attention, but I just LOVE my work, I want to spend all of my time focusing on it. (In the past two days, I plowed through work without stopping for lunch or drinking enough water, and felt terrible, but still didn’t change my ways)
I am not sure if I fit the kind of person Lisa describes. I have become much better at accepting the little things being out of order, such as the dishes in the sink, the kids’ toys on the floor and the gas tank being a bit too close to empty. But my friends have to stop me from apologizing repeatedly when they bear witness to the madness. I wonder if that means I accept it or not, since clearly I’m not okay with how I appear to others.