A Balancing Act
“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.”
Is it possible to live a balanced life 24/7? I doubt it. But it is something to work toward.
There’s so much talk about living a balanced life…it sounds perfect, having it all together: Just enough sleep to function optimally, but too much sleep could suggest depression, just enough exercise to feel great, but too much exercise can cause joint stress, and just enough sun for a healthy Vitamin D level, but too much sun can cause skin cancer. And the list goes on.
Reality check: I don’t have it all together all the time, and I admit there have been times when I’ve been out of balance. I recognize the signs now: irritability, depression, or withdrawal. If we are paying attention, we have a built-in balance detector because our mental state and physical symptoms let us know we are out of balance. Too much of one thing means too little of something else. For example, too much work means too little time for family or self-care. Have you ever heard someone later in life say, “Man, I wish I’d spent more time at the office?”
A favorite framework of mine is the destiny mandala which Grace Cirocco describes in her book, Take the Step: The Bridge Will Be There. She says, “The destiny mandala is meant to be a visual guide, a map reminding you of who you are and what’s important to you as well as an opportunity for self-discovery and personal reflection.” And I would add, an excellent way to work toward and achieve life balance.
She uses the four directions of the compass as a means to identify what’s important. Each compass point represents a spiritual, intellectual, emotional, or physical dimension. The North point of the compass represents the North Star, the spiritual realm, and a need to connect to one’s Source to be reminded of what’s sacred. South represents intellectual faculties, wisdom, and the vast power of the mind. East represents the realm of emotions as the East is where the sun rises and where possibilities are born. West, the final frontier, represents the physical body, where brave people push forward with courage and perseverance.
She suggests that within each dimension, there are questions to be answered, such as, “What is there yet to do, to learn, unlearn? Who is there to love, forgive, heal, and teach? What part of my body needs acceptance, care, and nurturing? What brings my heart joy? What has been left undone? How can I make the world a better place with my spiritual, emotional, intellectual, or physical gifts?”
Reflecting on and answering the questions is an exercise that provides an opportunity to find meaning, purpose, and balance, as each dimension requires equal attention. Neglecting time and focus in any one area throws one out of balance in the other areas.
Seeking balance is a life-long pursuit. It’s mine to create, not find. When I’m intentional enough to sit still and reflect on the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical directions of my life, I’m on my way to being the person I intend to be.
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