A Precarious Balance

     This coming weekend will bring the Autumn Equinox, or Mabon here. A time of balance between light and the encroaching darkness that will eventually come as the seasonal change marches on. If you are a student of Nature, you may be noticing that Mother Nature is out of balance with the extremes of weather we are experiencing globally. Or perhaps with the newness of a back to school schedule, you are finding yourself increasingly out of balance. It is time to stop, take stock of what matters, to whom it matters, and to recognize what is needed to bring that balance back for all. To simplify is to live a life more in balance. Self-inquiry as to how you can bring this intention into your day to day experience. 
     For me, balance is something to continuously work towards.....and that it is
not always the easiest of tasks for someone who has faced some physical challenges.  To listen and notice the signs my body and mind cue me into. As I have spoken to, my practice has changed. Things that once may have been easy, I need to move with awareness to stay balanced.  My day to day has changed, and I am learning to find balance in slowing down. Taking adequate time for myself to rest, to say "no, I am not available" and if I need to sit in stillness and do nothing-allowing that without feeling guilt. Observing what and how I feel gives insight to what is needed to support balanced well-being. 
     Ever notice times where you are easily distracted and forgetful? It is your brain telling you a respite is required. Brain break time. Or perhaps you feel depleted and just cannot deal with one more task on your ever-growing list for life? And subsequently wind up with physical symptoms like a cold? A sign from your body that you are out of balance and rest is required.
          One of the most helpful practices I use and encourage is the utilization of your breath, followed by some gentle seated movements to notice and find you center so you can balance mind, body, and Spirit...…
      Finding a place where you will not be disturbed for a short time. Sitting in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Take your awareness to the tip of the nose as you simply observe you breath. Notice how it feels, and where you feel it. Perhaps noticing the back of the throat as you inhale, or the lower ribs as they expand, or the back of the top of the pelvis as the diaphragm extends. Just notice. 
        And then look a little deeper-are the inhalation and exhalation the same? Is one more difficult than the other? Try counting 1,2,3,4 inhaling, 4, 3, 2, 1 exhaling. Simply watch and be aware of balancing the breath for a few moments and see what changes...…and then add some gentle movement.
 Arm raises on the inhale, releasing on the exhale with the breath guiding the movements. 
Perhaps seated cat/cow lifting the sternum on the inhale, pressing and rounding  the thoracic spine  as the exhale drops the chin. Letting the slow and balanced breath lead you as you  move. 
And then bringing the hands so that one is gently resting on the heart with the other on the belly. Using the hands to connect to how the breath moves, ebbing and flowing gently like the tide...…noticing how just a few moments can be profound in enhancing your well-being.
     A simple practice, a few moments in your day. But like the ocean can make us feel rejuvenated, so can our breath. It can keep you balanced, healthy, and perhaps, enrich your experiences of daily life.