We are often told that to be happy or to be in optimum health one must be balanced. One definition of balance is “an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady”. Can one really be expected to live life in the middle, perfectly distributing equal amounts of time to life’s activities? Is this practical or even possible?
Holding the image of equal distribution of time to the different areas of life is setting you up for failure…it simply is not possible.
Re-think the definition of balance.
Balance – a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
Correct proportions does not mean equal amounts. Time should be allotted to develop the mind, the body, and the spirit. Work, rest, relaxation, play, time for friends and family, time alone…all are important. The beauty comes when the determination is made as to the order of importance and the subsequent allotment of time accordingly.
The order of importance is not the same for everybody. Take sleep as an example; I am at my most efficient after getting at least 8 hours of uninterrupted night sleep whereas quite a few of my friends are at their optimum after getting 4 hours of sleep. This means that where sleep would fall on my list isn’t the same place it would fall on theirs.
The first thing that comes out of the creative process is order. Find your order and distribute your time and attention to reflect this order.
You know you are balanced when:
You are fully present when engaging in your activities. The time spent on work isn’t filled with guilt about not spending time doing something else (for example sharing time with loved ones or resting).
You enjoy harmony within yourself and within your relationships. There is ease and flow as you navigate life (even amidst turmoil).
When your life is in balance you realize that you flow with the natural order of the universe. When you flow with the natural order of the universe, you feel it in your being. There is no feeling like ones energy is depleted and your mood is generally even.