At the beginning of the year, we were challenged to find a word to focus on for the year. One word to focus on every day. One word to sum up who you wanted to be or how you wanted to live. (http://oneword365.com/)
I chose the word: Balance.
A well balanced life is essential for living well. Everyone talks about ‘having more balance’ in their lives but what does that really mean? I made the commitment to go in search of greater balance in my own life and this is a reflection of my journey so far…
I feel like balance has become a ‘buzz’ word and as a result its meaning has become skewed. The very definition itself claims that different elements should be “equal or in the correct proportions.” Should this mean that we must maintain an equilibrium at all times? Is that even a realistic thought?
Being a visual learner, I imagined a set of scales. They have the ability to balance and tilt in either direction. Perhaps the key to understanding balance was to ensure that you do not have the scales tilted for too long in one direction. If either side is taken to an extreme, something that is intended to be positive can end up being detrimental.
So, what is it we are trying to balance? Perhaps it is not work on one side and life on the other. Maybe the comparison is between internal (mind, heart and health) and external (work, social, family, fun, environment) aspects of the spectrum. Were the ends the same for everyone? Or could they change for each person or each situation? You might possibly weigh your balance on two alternative elements. I might change them periodically.
I once read that, in order to achieve balance, you must become a person that is more capable of accepting and dealing with chaos and has the personal abilities to create balance in their own lives. This year has been a journey of self awareness. I find that the more mindful and present I am in my life, the better choices I make around where my energy goes – giving my life much more balance.
After almost a year considering my word, here is what it means to me:
I have learnt that balance is different to each of us. It is about recognising what is important to us and how we choose to fill our time. To achieve balance, we need to prioritise each side of the scale. Whether you refer to it as a work / life balance, or the balance between your internal and external self, they’re not two halves that should or can coexist in equal measure at all times.
Balance is about being able to guide yourself back when you’ve gone too far one way or the other. It’s about being flexible, yes, but more importantly it’s about being forgiving — being able to say to yourself that it’s OK if you don’t know the answer, and it’s OK to change your mind.
Balance is about letting judgement roll off your back, whether it comes from those around you or from inside. It’s about letting go of pride and accepting help when you need it, just as much as it’s about silencing the voices around you and being brave enough to follow your own inner guidance. It’s about seeking the calm amid the chaos and being patient if it doesn’t come when you call.
It is a process I am still learning but remembering the process is more important than the destination helps. Sometimes I am going to focus more on one area of my life. For me, this does not necessarily mean I’m neglecting the others. Changing my perspective of what balance means and how I can achieve it, is bringing me a renewed sense of contentment.
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” (Dalai Lama)
Passionate-Teacher 