Living a Balanced Life

I’ve been struggling a lot this year with ‘balance’ – how do I balance everything in my life?  I have to believe that almost every woman (and some men!) reading this can relate to this constant battle.  It seems as if being an artist, a wife, a fur kid mom, a friend and dedicated animal advocate is sometimes in direct conflict with living a mindful life.  For living a mindful life requires that we take time to go ‘within’, to get centered and balanced – and yes, to be self-full.  For many of us, me included, taking this time for ourselves feels downright selfish.  I find that these days my own needs are falling at the bottom of the priority list and, as a result, I’m constantly out of balance.

Yesterday I finally made it back to ‘the mat’.  I suddenly realized it had been TWO WEEKS since I’d practiced yoga!  My muscles were so sore and tight, I could barely get through my first couple of sun salutations – and, as a reflection of the turmoil in my mind (and living space!), I teetered back and forth as I attempted to get into my balancing poses.  How did I forget all of the valuable lessons that I had learned in yoga?  A year ago, I was practicing five or more times a week – and, as I look back, I realized that I was much calmer – and yes, more balanced.  I seemed to have much more time to do everything that needed to be done and I was much more mindful in my everyday life!

Of course, this was before I got so involved with Lab Rescue – so the question becomes … how do we give OF ourselves and TO ourselves at the same time?  It’s a delicate balance, one that I am still working on mastering.  As I continue on this journey, I will set my intention and wear moonstone to help remind me to balance my yin and yang energies!  If you have any tips for staying balanced – please share your thoughts!

Blessings,
Melissa