Now this entry should be quite interesting. It will be a surprise both to you and to me. I honestly do not have a clue as to what I am going to write. However, this title, “BALANCE” has been nagging at me for quite some time and now I guess the time has come to approach it at last. To be perfectly honest, one thing that I absolutely cannot say is that I live a balanced life. Not even close. I find myself constantly going off on a roll, here or there, always veering way over to one side or the other. The intention to change this way of living has always been in the forefront of my attention, but so far I have not managed to accomplish this…YET. I would love to live a balanced life. But the question is: what exactly does “living a balanced life” mean?

I know that it has something to do with practicing moderation, being happy, and thus reducing stress within ourselves. But how does one accomplish this exactly? Diet, exercise, work, play, commitments and freedom, where exactly is the balance in all of these? Is there some “Golden Book” out there somewhere that can give us all the answers? I certainly wish that there was. Believe me I have been searching for this ultimate guide for quite some time but to this point have come up empty handed. One size does not seem to fit all. So what does it take to discover the secret here?

INTROSPECTION. I%92m beginning to see holds the answer. This ultimate guide is held within.

During this medical ordeal, I have had to face so many experiences which have touched my life in a profound way both inwardly and outwardly. This has prompted an incredible amount of introspection. Although at times it has been and still is very difficult, I can appreciate the fact that there has also been a tremendous amount of growth and realization that has come from these experiences as well.

I will share one realization with you here:

Through meditation and introspection I have been able to clearly see that there are so many parts that make up the whole of who I am. Of course the physical body is one, but then there are also the emotions, memories, the mind and thought processes and yet still there is something beyond all of this too… Soul.

So often during this time of uncertainty, I have found myself fully centered and absorbed in one of the above areas leaving the others behind. I have also found that when this is the case, life does not flow smoothly, not at all. Usually it has resulted in a complete melt down of sorts. I snap and lose it! I would have to say, this to me indicates a serious imbalance.

However, I have identified, through these “melt downs” that all of the parts that make up the whole are vitally important to who I am as a person. And when one or more of these areas is being overly used or alternately neglected there is big trouble. The times when I have felt the calmest, surest, and most relaxed and inspired, have been when all parts are functioning together as a unit. One area is not outshining another. I have also clearly seen that at the best of times it feels as though each individual aspect of who I am is in fact performing its function to the greatest degree while at the same time watching and observing the other parts to see that they are doing the same. It feels as though each area is encouraging all the others as well.

AWARENESS! In these times I am completely aware of the attention that each part needs and can work with them individually while at the same time, as a whole, making the best possible use of all the tools that have been provided to me in this lifetime.

A DELICATE BALANCE. Now, I have also noticed that the frequency of this balanced state is not always quite to the degree that I would like it to be yet. However, just the fact that I am aware of this now is a pretty good indication that things will improve. You cannot change something or improve upon it until you are aware of where the problem lies.

I mentioned introspection earlier. This is definitely a necessary process in order to discover what is inside of us. In doing this we are able to identify the pieces of the puzzle which make up our lives. But at the same time I have also seen that too much introspection can become a hindrance to growth. This can actually cause a huge imbalance in itself. Everything becomes a very mental process at this point, adding far too much weight and power to this one single facet of the whole… the mind.

Absolutely it is true that thinking about things is important but at the same time, doing, experiencing, feeling and remembering past events are also vitally important areas too. Sometimes I have found that this also includes simply taking a break from the issues at hand entirely and just having some fun.

The situation that I am facing now is not over yet, far from it actually. And the end conclusion is still not at all clear. But at this point I have to say that I honestly believe that no matter what happens next, I will fly through it without a doubt. With a careful eye constantly alert and watching that no aspect of who I am outshines another, I honestly believe that I can remain in balance, that is as long as I am aware. The issues will always be there in one form or another even once this particular situation is resolved. But at this point I believe that occasionally just taking a little time out can often be all it really takes to bring the balance back into our lives. So there you have it. This has been my realization in balance. This being said now, my plan for today is just go out and have some fun…See what happens next.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY ENTRY. AND THANK YOU FOR WAITING SO PATIENTLY FOR ME TO PRODUCE IT AND POST IT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD ANY COMMENTS THAT YOU MAY HAVE. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

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I HOPE THAT YOU HAVE A WONDERFULLY INSPIRING AND BALANCED DAY
ALL THE BEST TO YOU NOW AND ALWAYS
PAM