RealPagan- Paganism for the Real World


 

       Balance…such a simple word, it just rolls off the tongue with such ease. So let’s see…what does this word actually mean? Well let’s look at the dictionary’s definition.

Here are just a few definitions for the word Balance which I will enhance upon.

 

1. “A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.

2. “The power or means to decide.

3. “A stable mental or psychological state; emotional stability.

 

    Balance…for such a simple word, it is probably the single most difficult thing for we,  humans to achieve in life. It actually appears as if it goes against the grain of human nature…we are a species who are constantly out of balance within ourselves, yet constantly striving to achieve it. So how do we achieve it? That is the magic question! I don’t know that we ever actually achieve it. I like to think of Balance in terms of a journey of sorts. The journey to perfect balance is a life long endeavor and quite possibly many life times;)

    For someone like me, who prides themselves on being rather Hedonist, I especially struggle on the journey. I love so many things and want to give my attention to them all, all the time, all at once…sigh…well even the thought of trying throws me completely off-balance! So I am going to focus on just a few simple things that can help us along the journey to self-actualized balance:

 

1. Take a Risk!

It is only through a leap of faith that we truly find balance. It is only through testing the limits that we find out if we are capable of achieving. So get out of the status quo and take the leap...learn how to nurture your own needs by stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new. Take a yoga class, go back to college, jump out of an airplane for crying out loud! Just stop thinking too much about it and take the plunge. You will be amazed with how good this can be for a more balanced life.

 

2. Find a Focus.

I like to use the term Mindful Balance. Giving concentration to the mind is a wonderful way to minimize distractions that throw us off-balance and further away from our goals. There will always be other distractions and mundane commitments present in our lives, but if we don’t take the time for self-care we will constantly find ourselves off-kilter both mentally and physically. Learn to meditate, practice regular ritual, do physical fitness. The key is consistency. If you do something long enough it will becomea habit. Do not waiver from giving to yourself each and everyday...this is one thing you cannot skimp on and expect to find balance.

 

3. Lighten up!

I like to say ‘staying in the present’…it is rather my new motto in life. Learning to accept whatever may come and not judging it. No we cannot control everything! So why try.Trying is a sure fire way to throw your self completely out of balance. If you haven’t read my blog post about the 90/10 Principle you really should, this is a perfect formula for lightening up. A good example of not lightening up: For many years I suffered from what you would call ‘road rage’, I most especially despised tailgaters and I would deliberately yell and scream and brake just to make my point that I despised them, and of course my stress level would rise to an all time high. It has taken me some time to get to a point where I no longer have ‘road rage’, and lots of mindful ‘letting go’. I have come to accept that I in no way have control over other people’s actions, but I do have control over how I choose to let them affect me and that has made me a much happier and balanced womanJ Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed, when you find more balance too!

 

4. Embracing the Fall.

The key to a well-balanced mind-set is recognizing that the effort is every bit as important as the end result. Give yourself a break! Balancing is hard and we will all fail at it sometimes, if not a lot of the time. Accepting where we are today is half of the balancing act. Progress will come with time, patience and practice. Some days we will fall more than others, but we can certainly do it with more style. So next time you feel the urge to mindfully berate yourself, just step back, smile, and embrace the fall. You will find more balance in accepting than you can even imagine!

 

5. If You Fall, Get Yourself Back Up Again!

Perseverence. I love that word! You should learn to love it too. Don’t every give up the attempt, when it may just be the next one that brings you success. Have you ever come across someone in your life that seemed to have it all together? I guarantee that if you were to see the process by which they have achieved that togetherness, you will find that it was with perseverance and many failed attempts. It is that mind-set that creates success in balance. It may take you a day, a week, a month, possibly a lifetime of falls to create the balance you so desperately want; when it all comes together is when you see the value in the attempt.

 

    Balancing is hard work! It is through the courage, focus, acceptance, and perseverance that make it all worthwhile, when we feel the inner peace and happiness that comes from hat effort we know it is always possible to find balance so long as we never stop taking steps forward on the journey.

 

 

Namaste,

Jennifer

 

 

Tags: Balance

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Jennifer Renee Comment by Jennifer Renee 1 day ago

Thank you so much Ron!!

Namaste,

Jen

Ron(Fortuna Reclaimed) Comment by Ron(Fortuna Reclaimed) on January 11, 2011 at 2:27am
This is all so true Jenn! Im treasuring this post!
Jennifer Renee Comment by Jennifer Renee on January 9, 2011 at 7:14pm
I so agree with you Ari...I find my greatest success at balancing my life is when I have centered myself from within...I agree as to our elements..I am Air and can be rather detached from my emotions. I find when I look from within through deep meditation and center myself there I become more in touch with my emotions and find that I am able to balance externally much easier, but if I go periods of time without centering I feel out of whack and either too emotional or too numb.
Arimesis Comment by Arimesis on January 9, 2011 at 7:03pm
Balance is a concept best found when one has centered. We are all drawn to and act within our birth elements. For me, this is fire. I am hot blooded and passionate, yet my nature is not emotional. When I center as a south, I seek emotional input from the north from within our without which will bring me to center. The best balance starts within and works out...the Hermetic axiom states, "As within, so without" and if you cannot find personal balance, external balance will be elusive.
CURRENT MOON

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