One Balanced Life

"You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own and you know what you know
And you are the one who'll decide where to go."
Dr. Seuss

I've recommitted to my yoga practice. A "practice" that has been sporadic at best for the last half a decade. On the mat I am reminded of the importance of balancing the attention we give to our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. Most of us have the tendency to place more attention on one aspect of our being...usually we stay where we feel most comfortable.  Maybe paying attention to your physical needs comes easy or you find yourself in your head most of the time. I encourage you to explore finding balance in where you place your attention. Try focusing on all areas of your being...what do you need to feel strong in spirit, mind, and body?

"I think I must let go. Must fear not, must be quiet so that my children can hear the sound of creation and dance the dance that is within them." Russell Hoban

Today was one of those days where there were actually enough hours...
a little work, a little culture(a free family Mozart concert performed by the Saint Paul Symphony - the kids made it through almost one piece), some delicious food I didn't have to cook, a delightful little run around the lakes (only delightful because of some amazing kites being flown otherwise it was freezing), a little facial, and even fit in a little grocery shopping, a little wine and relaxation. So many weekends I find myself frantically trying to catch up on work, errands, and household chores and I'm left exhausted and unsatisfied.

I'm slowing down, simplifying, and prioritizing...some family time, some exercise, some work, whatever I need to do to experience a sense of balance. I continually realize self-care is about so much more than pampering, it is about letting go of expectations and taking a break from or letting go of things that drain my energy.

The laundry doesn't need to be done today, the house doesn't need to be spotless and canned soup is fine for dinner. Life balance is about listening to what you need and taking steps care for yourself...making small adjustments to help life move a little more smoothly.

My Challenge of the Day for you is to consider what do you need today to feel more balanced, energized, focused, and peaceful? Then create One Balanced Day for yourself and enjoy!

Since my groups starting in January are almost full I'm offering another Personal Renewal Group starting Sunday February 1st. The group will meet the first Sunday of the month from 5-7 at Blooma in Edina. Please contact me to register. Groups fill fast so sign-up soon!

I've never been very good at making, writing down, or following through on New Year's Resolutions. When I have made some, I never quite seem to make it past Day One. I did notice today the gym was quite busy compared to a month ago so apparently some people have more staying power than I do.

Like many others, my previous resolution lists have included the following; eat more vegetables, lose 10 pounds, be more positive....blah blah blah. So I decided to switch it up.

Instead of writing the typical goal or resolution list I decided to write all the things I wanted for myself and my family in the next year. It was great to think outside the box...to think big....and small. Keep going until you can't possibly come up with another. Include not only things you want to do or achieve but how you want to be.

A few from my list:
To spend time alone
To be creative
To be organized
To start climbing
To honor and respect
To start climbing again
To take a vacation with my family where we stay in one place
To proofread stuff before I send it out (if you received my most recent update sorry!)

If you haven't already, take a quiet moment for yourself and write down all the things you want for yourself, your family, your world in 2009 and have fun with it!