As I wrote this post, a new realization dawned upon me. In the beginning, I seek balance, by the end, I realize it was always there. I did not edit the content, instead leaving my process intact for the reader to see its evolution. The lesson here seems more to be about already having in my possession that which I seek, more than about balance. Enjoy!
“If you search everywhere, yet cannot find what you are seeking, it is because what you seek is already in your possession.” ― Lao Tzu
Living in balance. Walking the middle path. Choosing moderation. These are the things which I would like to place more focus upon in 2016.
In many ways, 2015 was about building strength and gaining a deeper sense of both independence and interdependence. Through my blog and in my life, I have repeatedly opened myself up, diving more deeply into the waters of vulnerability and uncertainty. By being weak, I have gained more in strength. By revealing myself, I have seen new aspects to appreciate.
Yet, even with the gains I have made in independence and strength, balance has been a challenge for me. I seem to either go full steam ahead, or I become dead in the waters. My life seems to move in spurts and fits or not move at all.
Even in my writing, I can be inconsistent. Often, I find myself writing furiously on the weekends, sometimes unintentionally filling my schedule for the week to follow. Then, when dating, my writing has been the first thing to be sacrificed. Losing my voice in this way seemed to have set me back further in my own spiritual growth.
I could write all day on the ways in which I can bring more balance into my life. The pattern I notice, in stepping back, is that the further I move to one side on the pendulum, the further to the opposite extreme I must move to create balance.
So when I say I’m seeking balance, what I really mean is less movement between the extremes. Nature seeks balance. Balance is already present in my life, now it is up to me to choose the middle path instead of riding extreme pendulum swings.
May we all find and take the middle path when it suits us.
Sanskrit Mantra: Om Ram Ramaya perfect balance energizes my body, mind and spirit
Namaste.
Photo by renjith krishnan at freedigitalphotos.net
unfiltered from the heart 
I can really relate to this. 2015 had so many changes and I’m pretty sure that 2016 will be the same. 😉 But I’ve learned that patience and stillness – rather than so much doing or running around – will facilitate the big changes I sense are in store. I’m looking forward to a more balanced, centred, and exciting 2016! Aleya
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Aleya, Your words bring a broad smile to my face! When I started my blog in April, it was tiffanyrunningfree. At some point, I figured there was too much “doing or running around” and changed it to “being.” I am confident we will both find 2016 to be more balanced and centered! Namaste.
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This is thought provoking and well written. I am drawn to the scales of Libra. For me though, I think of balance on whole rather than as a constant. I am drawn to edges and contrast but need to ensure I seek both edges of the spectrum so that, on whole, I am balanced. Don’t get me wrong, I do spend a lot of time the middle but I need to feel the edge.
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Yes, this is a good point you bring up. I do also enjoy the edge, after all it’s only by pushing myself to that edge am I able to become stronger and more flexible.
For me the balance is more about self-care and being consistent with that. I’ve learned that my writing is indeed part of my self-care. These are things I can no longer see as a sacrifice when my time is short or when I choose to date again.
Thank you for reminding me that the edges are just as important!
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You know, you did communicate this well in your post. I too often read without taking off my filter and seeing things as they are. You seem introspective and reflective…traits I share and value. Taking time to think and write isn’t a nice-to-have moment…it recharges us. It does take a focus on balance to protect that time. 🙂
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I understand. I read over my work a lot to fine tune it, sometimes I’ve read it over so much I don’t look at it after it’s published. Yet, I often speed read long, verbose posts by others.
Many people feel that I am aloof, I feel it’s because of that introspective reflection… Another reason to feel misunderstood. =)
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Aloof…I get it. In a world of extroversion, the reflective can be seen as non-engaged or disinterested. I see it as a gift.
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Your comment reminds me of a piece I started working on today where I find myself on the edge, fearing to take the proverbial leap of faith. Interesting synchronicity. Thank you, Michael!
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We do seem to be exploring similar themes…I have a feeling we may help one another along this journey. 🙂
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