Striking a Balance for the New Year

As I personally reflect on 2008, with all of its change, turmoil and, in the end, stress, one word comes to mind–balance.

Whether I am contemplating my work load, family obligations, goals or personal life, I find myself tipping one way or the other, and not in a constructive way.  I place too much emphasis on one aspect of my life, often sacrificing the others.  Looking at the end result, it’s just not a productive, healthy way to go.   

As I look forward to 2009, I am determined to make a real change.  My practices in yoga and meditation respectively, and in Pilates as well, are driving me to make much-needed alterations in my priorities and my thinking.

In many ways, yoga is all about balance.  With a strong practice, there is no doubt we can all enhance our physical sense of balance.  Through our meditation, we can teach ourselves how to prioritize our emotions and perceptions through mindfulness and awareness. 

Pilates, with its emphasis on building core body strength enhances my body’s ability to meet and effect change.

Though not exactly a New year’s resolution, I plan to continue emphasizing all three practices into 2009.  What will be different for me will be my resolution to utilize all three to reorder my priorities and indulge in a little self-care and love, to strike the right balance.  In fact, I think it’s the first time I will be putting myself first to a greater degree.  I know it sounds a wee bit selfish, but it’s not.  In the end, if I take care of myself, while learning a little bit more about me in the process, I will ultimately be able to use that information to enact a proper balance, and I won’t be the only one who benefits. 

My family, friends and colleagues will also reap the rewards of working and interacting with a healthier, more sustainable soul and spirit, one who is much less prone to anxiety, and much more aware of her place in the universe.

That’s just a look ahead to my path in 2009, and where I hope my practices will take me.  I’d like to hear about your resolutions, too.  And don’t forget to offer up your questions about yoga, meditation and Pilates to me right here, and I will be sure to answer them in the most balanced, substantive way I can.  There’s a lot that we can all accomplish, but even more that we can achieve together.

Peace.