Finding balance
I was feeling “off” this morning. My mind wasn’t thinking right. I felt ungrounded and foggy. My focus was like a feather in the wind, pulled in all directions by the details of unimportant tasks. I was kind of mentally floating above everything, like a part of me didn’t want to be here. As I faced my work day, in which I prioritize being focused, clear attuned and grounded, I wondered how can I fix this? What do I need to feel more steady and present?
Before my day got going, I went through the usual list of choices, like, caffeine or Ashwagandha tea? Meditation or a walk? Vigorous excercise or mindful stretching? Food or lemon water? I knew the effect each one would offer, but I couldn’t sense what I needed, and could barely make a decision. As my dog barked at my heals, I followed his advice and went outside for a walk. There, amidst the earthy smell of the woods, under the open blue sky, in the warmth of a summer morning breeze, I knew the answer.
I needed space.
I noticed the space between the trees, the space between the clouds, the space between the birds flying together, and even the space between the petals of the tiny wild flowers growing in the space of the field. I realized, I needed more space in time, between tasks and appointments, more space in my mind between thoughts, more space in my relationships, more space in my breathing and more space in my body, after a night of indulgent eating. I especially enjoyed feeling the space all around me as I walked within its infinite perimeter. Space is what returned me home to my body, mind and soul, and I found my way back to my true self.
What is space and what can it offer? How does it create balance or a sense of well being? If space is the absence of something, how can that absence provide balance for the fullness of everything else? Perhaps as you invite space into your life, you will notice there is an energy or subtle presence that nourishes and calms you. Pause here for a moment and be curious…. Despite the inevitable stress we face in our life, could space, in various forms, help fortify our resiliency and allow room for more inspiration, perspective, wisdom, creativity, or even joy? Is there an area in your life that needs more space, and if so, how do you create it?
Self awareness of your needs is key.
Next, it is all about choice, your sense of worthiness and your intention to help yourself. Are you aware of when you say yes and when you say no? Are your responses automatic? Do you know what beliefs and emotions drive these decisions? Do you hold a belief that says the needs of others should come before your own? Look for the barriers inside you, instead of those in the outer world.
Here are some tips that have helped me find balance by creating internal and external space:
Say yes to making some time for stillness. As your body becomes still, you can notice the silence and the universal space within it. You can notice the absence of doing in the stillness of just being.
In a moment of silent stillness, sense your body as a container of space. Fill the interior space by breathing in fresh new energy. Empty your interior space by exhaling out all that is unwanted. Feel the entire space of your body breathe as a whole. Say yes to your senses. What can you see, hear, taste, smell or touch in the moment? What are you aware of? Say “No, not now” to your thinking brain when you want to create some mental space and just feel yourself breathe. Alternatively, you will also need to eventually say to your thoughts, “Yes, I will listen to you now”, offering yourself the gift of kindness and compassionate listening, which also calms the mind and opens mental and emotional space.
Say yes to your own wellbeing by saying no to others. For example, practice saying, “I’ll get back to you”, or “Let me think about that”, instead of “Sure! I will do that.” Don’t be afraid to cancel plans when you need to rest. Take some alone time for yourself. Schedule a walk, a workout or some stillness time. Believe that your wellbeing is just as important as anyone else’s.
Drink more water! Say yes to this choice, even though there is a part of you that would prefer to drink something else! I know you’ve been told this a million times, but honestly, think about how miserable you feel when you are overly full, bloated or even constipated! I’m realizing, personally, that water actually creates more space in my body, because it helps flush out excess toxins, sugar, fat etc. that is being stored and taking up interior space. Even inflammation is filling the interior space, making your body and brain sluggish, and reducing your sense of balance and wellbeing.
So, next time you feel out of balance, be curious. Would more space feel good? With kindness, ask yourself, do I need more space in my mind, in my body, in my breathing, in my schedule or in a relationship? Do I need to go to a place in nature where more space surrounds me; where I can breathe more deeply and find the balance and well being of my true self? Do it. You, and everyone around you will benefit. Wishing you space, wellness and balance!
Together In Oneheart,
Wende
