SPIRITUAL BALANCE means different things to different people. I believe when we connect to the earth in some fashion, whether it is to climb a mountain or take a walk on the beach, we are placing our feet DIRECTLY to the earth and bringing in that earth energy. Plus being outdoors is usually always serene and the air is amazing. Some people believe indoor activities are most beneficial to them. WHATEVER makes you happy is key! If you want to go biking…THEN BIKE! If you enjoy being in the mountains, then GO TO THE MOUNTAINS! If meditating is what you enjoy, then for goodness sakes, MEDITATE! The key is to bring happiness to your mind and in essence balance to your spirit.
Meditation
When I am searching for a sense of calm, I will meditate. Meditation is really just sitting comfortably and bringing your focus to your breath. Sit outside, in your house on the carpet, in a chair, wherever. Then for a period of 15-20 minutes or as little as 5 minutes, you can calm your mind. Constant revolving thoughts in your mind really are counterproductive and don’t allow you to focus and in that chaotic place it can be very challenging to go through the day. Whenever I have stopped and taken the time to spend my 15-20 minutes a day, I ALWAYS feel better and WITHOUT QUESTION my day is smoother, more productive and filled with a calming energy. There is a plethora of “mindful meditations” you can find online or perhaps your local yoga studio has a mediation night booked on their schedule.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. As part of my training at the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing, Tai Chi, Yang style short form to be exact, taught me better body mechanics as a massage therapist, but it is also highly beneficial for a practitioner to balance their own energy by being balanced in their own bodies and therefore project balanced energy to the client on the table.
In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions — for example, “white crane spreads its wings” — or martial arts moves, such as “box both ears.” As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on your bodily sensations. Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Really is a wonderful moving meditation. I can’t say enough. Lovely to do outside on the grass on a beautiful day!