Balance.

School started a couple of weeks ago. I took the first Friday off to stand up in my incredible former roommate's wedding and then missed the Tuesday after for jury duty...needless to say, I'm back in the position of needing to balance my students, my colleagues, my family, my friends, my exercise, my eating, my spiritual practice...my life. It's easy to feel you're living a balanced life when you're sitting steps from the ocean, watching the sunrise every morning, spending hours meditating and exercising. But that isn't my reality most of the time. As I reflect on my first couple of weeks of school, which could easily be referred to as chaotic, I am grateful for the opportunity to truly "practice what I preach," so to speak.

So, how do I maintain balance amidst the chaos of work, a personal life and a need for secluded spiritual time? It's actually becoming fairly straightforward. (Yep, I'm as surprised as anyone!)

((please note, I am in no way claiming to always be balanced. The trick is recognizing when I'm feeling out of balance and using the tips below to re-ground myself.))

1.) Focus.

If you have a million things to do, you'll never get them done if you try to do them all at once. Do one thing well, as long as you can, and then move on. Whenever possible, try to finish tasks once you begin them. Deep breaths help tremendously with focus, and also when things are starting to become overwhelming. I tell myself, "Slow down. You'll get it all done, one task at a time."

2.) Scheduling.

Living in the present moment doesn't mean you can't plan. It means (to me) that you when you plan, you are focused on planning. I put things like "yoga," "dinner" and "call____" on my calendar so I don't have to worry about forgetting, and I'm not stuck thinking about it when I'm trying to do something else. Taking time to plan allows me to mindfully carry out those plans. Be sure to plan down-time where you can sit around on your couch and go to bed early every once in a while (or multiple times a week ;)

3.) People. (positive, kind, grateful people)

I surround myself with people who allow me to take the time I need.When I'm with these people; I'm with them. They make me smile and laugh. They encourage me to do things with them, but respect my choice to head home early, order a water or pass on plans all together (as long as it's not all the time! Total seclusion can be as dangerous as constant noise and company). I'd also say there's a level of stubbornness here for me. I know I feel anxious and less patient when I don't get enough sleep or take the time I need for myself, so it's a huge priority of mine, and is actually better for not only me, but my family, friends and students as well.

4.) Self awareness.

Photo origin

You can't be balanced if you don't give yourself what you need. It's hard to give yourself what you need if you aren't sure what that means. You know what helps? Sitting in silent stillness will help you increase your self-awareness. If you aren't sure what you need, that's a fantastic place to start. I also find balance poses themselves extremely grounding. Next time you feel off balance, take a couple deep breaths and come into tree pose. Feel the power. Feel the stability. (Plant your toes if this isn't feeling stabile! Trees have roots!)

5.) Gratitude.

If you've read some of my former posts, you know this is something I'm very passionate about. I really believe that with gratitude and presentness I can maintain a positive attitude almost all the time. This moment, this life, is a gift to be ever grateful for.