I’ve been encouraged by Spirit to talk about balance this month. We hear this word all of the time and many of us strive for it. However, I feel like if most of us were asked to define it, we’d stumble over our words or even draw a blank.
So what is balance? Well, I’m going to define it as, "a willingness to make conscious choices that align with your values and goals".
During Reiki sessions, I would say that I find a few common things. The first is buried pain held deep within the heart chakra. Pain that comes from defeat, abandonment, loss and/or rejection. As a result the heart feels safer being partially closed.
Next I feel holes in the solar plexus. This is a highly intuitive area. It gives us “gut feelings”. When these instincts are ignored we loose respect for ourselves and we send the message to the universe that our values and goals are unimportant.
The last thing I see most often is a throat chakra that has been sealed shut. So, our heart that lights us up, our gut instinct that wants to take action and our ability to speak and think with love for ourselves have all learned that it’s better to be silent. These energy center are our guides. They empower us to live the lives that align to our spirit and soul.
Now if you're reading this, you are most likely an empath. Empaths feel the thoughts and feelings of others as their own. They're highly aware of their impact on others. Empaths are the first to stifle these three chakra centers because when others are happy, they can feel happy. Even if their needs and wants have been pushed to the side or totally disregarded.
We begin to see why empaths who feel everything so deeply can’t define “balance”.
So, how can we go about living a balanced life? Well, I think it’s important to give ourselves grace. Life is always in flux, a state of constant change. Let’s first rephrase this. Instead of striving for balance which suggests that there is an "end goal" or "perfect way of being", let’s aim for greater balance. This gives us room to breathe. It allows the sway of life to move gently in the breeze. It invites joy and asks us to dance with the rhythm of life.
Then we must get clear on who we are and what is important to us.
Set priorities: Identify what's most important to you and allocate your time and energy accordingly.
Create boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and set limits on the amount of time and energy you give to certain activities or people.
Take care of yourself: Prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental health by eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Connect with others: Nurture your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Communicate with love and express how you feel.
Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, mindfulness, or therapy.
Achieving greater balance is a continuous process that requires ongoing effort and adjustment. It gets easier but you must be mindful and you must love and respect yourself.
Sending you love and a big hug,
Ashley
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