“The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg.” ~unknown
There is an additional sentence to that motivational aphorism, which reads “It’s about what you’re made of, not circumstances.” It certainly sounds like something you might read on a poster framed and hanging in an office, near a reminder that teamwork makes the dream work. There is something slightly irksome about the presentation and yet, there is wisdom in the offering. The trick is in moving beyond what is presented as obvious and into the realm of the subtle.
To declare that we need to find balance in our lives is a little bit like reading motivational sayings: it’s obvious. What’s not always so obvious is how exactly we accomplish that goal. Some techniques we know about already; we understand the importance of eating healthily and exercising, the need for sleep and the time for personal reflection, and the concept of having good things in moderation. But if we were all so skilled at it already, an entire industry (as in the aforementioned motivational realm) would cease to be useful. And we know that hasn’t happened! So… what are the tricks to achieving this elusive state of balance? I can’t answer that for you - or I likely wouldn’t be writing this newsletter. What I can do is offer guidance and tools that help me and ask me to read between the lines.
Hydration and Nutrition: There’s more to this than meets the eye. At first glance we read ‘drink more water, eat better food’. But our food and water are elements of a larger ecosystem, and one that has an opportunity to make an impact. Would you knowingly drink contaminated water? Or offer it to others? Of course not, but many people - especially in disaffected neighborhoods - aren’t given that option and the impact can be severe.
Here are just a couple of local resources regarding our drinking water as well as our rivers and waterways if you are interested in learning more and participating in the effort.
Clean Water Action: Colorado
Environment Colorado: The Clean Water Network
Additionally, where our food is sourced matters. The less distance it has to travel, the better for our bellies as well as the environment. Nearly every store now has sections and signs that indicate food grown locally, very often by small family farms. Yes it may be more expensive, but you are contributing to the health of the local economy and small business owners in your own ecosystem. If you want to eat well, spend well. Buy locally farmed, raised and cultivated food. Our health is comprised not only of the acts of nourishment, but the intention behind them.
Breathe, breathe, breathe: Yes, I’ve written about the importance of a breathwork practice and I cannot stress how much this can have an impact on your overall health. Science and research abounds. But again, reach for the intentionality behind your practice. How does 5 minutes of deep belly or structured breathwork make you feel? Are you able to tap into your reserve of quiet, calm, and peace not only to feel better but to be a better human? Try it out. Find a quiet moment alone. Place one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly. Have the intention that your breath will help you make more room for compassion and acceptance, starting with you. What do you need to make space for in your life?
Establish intent-filled relationships: We all have relationships, be they familial, intimate, or friendly. How are these relationships a reflection of who and how you are in the world? If you’ve ever had a relationship that does not serve you, you’ll know by the discordant feelings that arise when you are with or around that person. We may choose to relinquish that particular relationship or not, but ultimately it can open the door for some self-reflection and to ask the question: What is my intention in interacting with others?
Our relationship to and with others is imperative to our health and wellbeing given that naturally we seek a collective. But how we establish these connections matter. Take a look at this short article that reminds us of several approaches to creating intent-filled relationships.
The art of awareness: Mindfulness practices abound! But when was the last time you actually spent time to simply be present? This skill of being present and aware is the ability to take in what is around you without judgement or attempting to alter it in any way. You may find this state of mind more accessible through meditation, breathwork, or movement, when we provide ourselves with enough space and time to refine being. And a practice it is.
Affirmation: This last is short and sweet, and maybe all the more significant for it. Take a look into the mirror. Now tell yourself (out loud is the key!) "I love you”.
As we move on may we never stop asking the questions that beg for our curiosity and engagement, may we not always be satisfied with the first answer we receive, and may we find balance in the doing. Have an amazing week.