By: Marcia Fayt, Yoga Instructor
This summer my husband and I were in the outback of Algonquin Park, and as I was about to get into our canoe, I realized what a balancing act it actually is. As I stepped into the canoe, I had to step exactly into the middle, making sure I kept the canoe perfectly balanced, to prevent it from tipping, or cracking. This time it took more effort and focus, as we were coming out of a very rocky enclave, with waves lapping into the shore. As we paddled safely out onto the lake it came to me to do my next yoga blog on the topic of balance.
In yoga the practice of balance goes back for thousands of years. One of my favourite yoga postures is the tree pose: standing perfectly still on one leg, with the weight evenly distributed throughout your body, while keeping a perfectly balanced position. Standing in this pose offers the experience of peace and inner strength. Balance is not only a part of yoga postures, but a large part of yoga philosophy, where ‘balance’ is practiced as a way of life, which can also bring one peace and contentment.
Balance is the very foundation of our nature and existence, the perfect electromagnetic balance of every atom in our bodies, keeps it working harmoniously so that we can live, move and participate in life, on a planet that is also perfectly balanced in all the forces of nature’s laws.
So how can this yoga concept of balance be applied to the Westerner who lives a very demanding and busy lifestyle? Here are some very practical ways how balance can become a part of our daily lives:
*Create a balanced exercise workout program, to include cardio, strengthening exercises and stretching.
*Balance meals, with protein, vegetables, whole grains and fruits.
*Balance your busy working day with 10 minutes of yoga stretches in the morning, some deep yoga breathing at lunch time, as you head out for a walk or take a yoga breathing break sitting at your desk, and end your day with 10 minutes of relaxing yoga stretches before falling asleep.
*Balance the list of worries that go around in circles in your head with a positive affirmation: “I am peace, peace is me” as you take a deep breath.
*Balance the demands of your long work day, with activities that are recreational such as sports, activities out in nature, or the arts.
*Take some time for quiet reading, writing or reflection.
*Try a meditation class or a yoga relaxation class.
*Turn off the BlackBerries and cell phones and just be with others you care about in your life.
To practice the yoga philosophy of ‘balance’, it can be this simple. May you enjoy the wonderful benefits of this ancient yoga practice – balanced living.
Yoga quote: by Paramahansa Yogananda (one of the first yogi’s to come to America from India in 1920 to give lectures on yoga philosophy). “Man’s great need is to find more time to enjoy nature, to simplify his life and his imaginary necessities, to enjoy the true needs of his existence, to learn to know his children and friends better, and most of all, to know himself and the God who made him.”
