Strength Through Balance

“Our lives are a mixture of different roles. Most of us are doing the best we can to find whatever the right balance is . . . For me, that balance is family, work, and service.” – Hillary Rodham Clinton
​
  We all have witnessed those people in our lives who overdo or been those people, the aholic be it workaholic, alcoholic, screen addiction etc . When focus, energy, passions get out of balance, other areas of our lives and those we connect with suffer wounds that fester and grow. Of course there are times that require extra focus in particular areas, such as when getting a degree or making a career or life change. Those times are when we need to remember the crucial impact of balance. Balance doesn’t necessarily mean that every area gets exactly the same attention, but that no one area takes over to the exclusion of other areas.
Balance is both internal and external, finding equilibrium between introspection and connection with others in our lives. The key is to acknowledging the importance of balance and recognizing it is an ongoing process not a finite goal. Like physical fitness we work to get to our desired equilibrium and then work to remain or return consistently to that special place. Balance is an individual calculation and there is no one formula that fits all. We all get to choose our own priorities where we focus our energy, what our life balance wheels looks like.

Balance, Centered, Grounded is where we want to hang out the majority of the time and where we want to return when we get knocked off our path. The journey is to discover what practices or disciplines help us return to the sweet spot, the place of workable balance. Luckily there are all kinds of self-care that can support us, meditation, exercise, healthy eating, acupuncture, yoga, etc. The combination that best supports each of us is unique and individual. 

Acupuncture is an ancient medicine based on the study of balance in Nature and thus an integral part of who we are as beings. Acupuncture originated in ancient China many centuries ago, and is used as way to prevent diseases and to bring the body back to harmony when it has fallen out of balance. By inserting very fine needles into specifically mapped points along the meridians of the body, the acupuncturist can manipulate the body’s energy force, or Qi to help the patient return to his/her internal balance. When balance is returned so is health in body, mind and spirit.
 
Possible strategies to try:

1. Take Stock – What is working, what is not? What is one adjustment I can make today?
2. Prioritize and delegate – What do you really have to do yourself? What can you let someone else do?
3. Pay Attention to your overall health – Look at your eating, exercise, regular doctor checkups. How can you minimize toxins in your foods and environment?
4. Schedule regular time on your calendar- Schedule  Alone time and Connection time with family and friends.
5. Research and try out practices that solidly support your balance in life. Try classes, get referrals for meditation, Yoga, Qi Gong, Acupuncture, Talk Therapy, etc. Practice each one for 3-6 months before assessing the benefits and drawbacks. Choose 3-5 to become a regular part of your routine and life.
6. Treat yourself regularly – Have fun, do those things that feed your soul- Reading, Massage, Classes, Concerts, Biking, Hiking, etc
7. Reassess each night - Journaling what worked, what didn’t? What can you change? What do you need to research or contemplate further? Use a page of your journal to do a Gratitude Journal. Listing each little blessing, surprise or ongoing good in your life.