Regular take time to find your balance
Balance brings harmony to our life. And harmony feels good! So we seek a consistent order and arrangement of things in order to reach a sort of equilibrium – a sense of well-being and tranquility. When we’re in balance, we feel calm and serene. Everything just feels . . . well . . . right.
And it’s no wonder balance feels so good. By finding balance, we gain:
- Steadiness
- Vitality
- Inner power
- Contentment
- Peace of mind
But even though balance feels luxurious and delightful, we waste a lot of time and energy carelessly knocking ourselves OFF balance.
Silly us!
We get stuck in a “not enough” rut by depriving ourselves of things like sleep, exercise, quiet, healthy food and time with loved ones.
Or we go overboard the other way with too much work, noise, junk food, busyness and spending.
In spite of our deep, heartfelt needs, we end up sabotaging ourselves. Far from an island of bliss, our lack of balance leaves us feeling anxious and unsure of ourselves. And this instability doesn’t feel “right” at all.
But let’s not beat ourselves up for getting out of balance. That only makes us feel worse. We’re only human, after all!
Let’s accept that we’re going to lose our balance from time to time. And that’s okay. We’ll go too far one way or another and need to gently bring ourselves back toward our calm center again.
And there’s good news! It’s easier than you think to regain your balance.
How?
Just take a mindful minute. Fully concentrate and deepen your focus on the present moment, right here right now, for 60 seconds. That’s it!
Here are some mindful minute ideas you can to try:
- Walk outside and breathe in some fresh air. Slowly. Deeply.
- Stand on one leg for 30 seconds, and then switch.
- Repeat positive affirmations: “I am at peace with my world. I am compassionate with myself and where I am right now.”
- Notice and appreciate the beauty all around you – a leaf, your hand, a shiny red apple, clouds.
- Sink into a yoga pose – like downward-facing dog.
- Picture yourself relaxing on a beautiful tropical beach holding a frosty glass of fresh papaya juice.
- Bend over letting your head hang low as you reach toward your toes.
- Dance around your house with exuberance and abandon.
- Give yourself a nice, loving hug.
- Laugh you head off – hearty and loud.
- Read some inspirational words.
- Gaze at the moon and stars.
Tranquility is our natural state of mind. But when we’re thinking stressful thoughts, we lose that peace – and our balance. Give yourself some space to question those thoughts. By shifting your perception, you shift your world.
Clearing your mind for a mindful minute (or more!) helps you stop and put things in perspective. The islanders on Alumanaya find balance by living in harmony with the way things are. You can do the same!
Find your balance and inner calm – in 60 seconds or less – by taking a mindful minute.
How do you find balance when dealing with your daily stresses?
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Join the island tribe at facebook.com/IslandPerspective.
It’s Here! The complete guide . . . An Island Perspective – Finding the Path to Tropical Tranquility
About Renee
You’ve done it again! Great entry, Renee! I love how gently you encourage us to make changes, while at the same time reminding us that we’re only human — and we’re going to get off course from time to time. I really like how you give such practical, instantly do-able ideas. I’ve already done several of your suggestions earlier today. Maybe I’ll give standing on one leg, and then the other, a try. Thanks again for your loving guidance. There are definitely times I get off balance, and I’m going to remember this post!
Take care,
Linda
Great post, and I love your ideas for the “60″ seconds… Atticus is brilliant at downward dog, btw!
Aw, thank you Linda. I’m so happy you find my tips worthwhile and easily doable. I wouldn’t recommend anything to my readers that I don’t want to do myself. These are things that work for me. I’m certainly not perfect and I don’t expect anyone else to be. It’s easy to do some gentle tweaking on ourselves whenever we start feeling out of balance.
Thanks Heidi! I bet I could learn a thing or two about downward dog from Atticus!
Renee, your tips are very doable, and hardly time consuming! Standing on one leg is an interesting thought. For me I would be so focused on ‘balance’ that I would forget that I was out of balance.
I also love your gentle ways. It must come from living with an “Island Perspective’
Susan, you made me laugh! I guess if standing on one leg helps you forget you’re out of balance, that’s a good thing. LOL Yes, you are right. My calm demeanor is fueled by living with An Island Perspective.
Renee,
I love being able to click over here when I need a tip on how to get centered. After reading your post, I got up, stretched, walked out into my yard and made myself a cup of tea. Now, I feel I can focus again. (At least until it is time to put my mom hat on again
Way to put things in perspective Lisa! Thanks for giving a perfect example of how easy it can be to regain our balance. Luckily, we can do this sort of thing whenever feel ourselves getting off kilter. It’s fun to refresh and renew ourselves!
Hi Renee, I totally agree that we often throw ourselves off balance because in our busy busy society we push ourselves beyond our own limits and don’t stop to “smell the roses.” I know that sometimes in my off-the-wall silliness I experience moments of euphoria that help me connect with mindfulness. But in between those moments, I am definitely going to try some of your tips above! Thanks for the tips!
Lee
I feel calmer and more at peace just reading your article! Lovely!
Lee, you are so right about sometimes pushing ourselves beyond our limits. We have a go, go, go culture that encourages us to keep moving and never resting. Silliness and fun activities are great ways to find your balance!
Thanks Deb for your kind comment!