Today marks the first day of spring with the arrival of the vernal equinox at about 2:24pm in my area. You’d never know it by my local weather forecasts, so this day brings hope of longer days and new life bursting forth, and we can all use some of that.
Today is the balance of dark and light, the sort of yin and yang of the natural world. In the human experience, as in all of nature, dark and light are simply opposites or polarities, without any judgment attached to either. So, how can we bring that sense of balance into our lives all year long?
Most of us strive for a well-balanced life. Sure there are those that seem to thrive under chaos (I used to be one of them), but when it comes down to it, and without passing judgment, balance in one’s life is generally a more harmonious way to live.
A well-balanced life doesn’t mean giving equal amounts of time or attention to each aspect of your life. Life balance is about knowing when to give a little more effort, when to call it quits and when everything feels just as it should.
Here are a few ideas of how to bring more balance to your life:
Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is an essential part of creating a balanced life. Self-care is something I’ve written about in more detail here. Of course be sure to include meditation in that self-care!
Strive for a healthy lifestyle: Both exercise and a conscious diet are necessary in order to remain healthy and happy. And practice moderation in all things, including exercise and diet.
Keep regular work hours: That’s especially necessary for those of us who are self-employed and/or who work from home, where it’s easy to get in a few work hours on the weekend. Don’t do it! Your family and your soul will thank you.
Make time for your relationships: One of the pillars of a well-balanced life is setting aside time for your relationships. Do not neglect this important part of your life.
Live within your means: If your finances are causing you stress, it time to evaluate where you’re spending your money. Oftentimes, cutting out certain monthly expenses, will not only save you money, but will also bring other rewards. I know many people that have cut the cable TV and have never looked back. What about canceling subscriptions to magazines you never read? Or reduce restaurant expenses by organizing regular potluck get-togethers. Get creative. You’ll be surprised how it adds up.
Leading an unbalanced life is one of the leading causes of stress and we all know the dangers of stress. So use this day of equal light and dark as a “spring” board to a well-balanced life.
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