I am practicing balance in my life.
While this seems like it may be easy or obvious, I realize that I am truly mistaken.
To create balance we must first step back and observe the imbalance. As with everything on this plane of existence, it all has its equal and opposing force. That is the beauty of life. When we become out of balance it is difficult to see the beauty around us and in ourselves for the obstacles that are in our path.
How do we know when we are in balance unless we first experience imbalance. By checking in with discomfort in something or someone or ourselves, without judgment, we can appreciate when we are comforted and comfortable.
What is discomfort? Why does human nature crave comfort? Comfort =nurturing= care= love. Perhaps then discomfort= lacking= not desirable = labeled bad by society, even judged.
The uncomfortable are the ones that suffer. Ah, yes this brings us to the study of Yoga. Suffering is the cause of all discomfort. The Bhagavad Gita states:
Sufferings or freedom from it is desirable, yes? So this leads into exploring desire, another human want. As I struggle with my eight year old daughter and her discomfort of her wardrobe choices I reflect about her desires to change her clothes. After deciding that corporal punishment is not the best solution for her total meltdown in the back seat of the car, I reflect.
I’m actually the observer this time. I’m able to see this situation without getting my emotions all wrapped up and entwined in the situation. However, I ask myself why does my daughter seem to let this discomfort of the situation (right now it happens to be her itchy, hot leggings) rule her? What can I do? Do I question my ability as a parent? Do I do nothing and drive on? I choose action, as she must get out of the car and go to third grade, wet eyes, un-brushed hair and all.
I park and get out, open her door and wonder if she might be embarrassed if her friends think she was crying. My heart melts a bit, but this is her creation, she must live it through. I send her on her way with a loving pat, and the helpful hand of a teacher walking past, and drive away.
I begin to muse about our human nature. What IS reality? Is it what we perceive? Why do we fight it? Reality just is!
Parenting is never easy or simple, but it is so valuable; raising ‘small people’ as we call them, to become healthy, strong, happy, kind and productive citizens of society. As in yoga, we are always the student, in parenting the child may be our teacher.
We may be in for a bit more discomfort down this long, unpaved road. As I travel my path, I will seek to find that balance weekly, daily, hourly, One foot in front of the other, the middle way.
