‘Balance My View’ by Celest

Life is not always easy. There are times when bad things seem like they just keep stacking up and that they might never turn around. In yoga we speak about keeping our minds impartial to the good and bad things that come along. Without getting too attached to the summer times of lives or too averse to the wintry problem periods.

This philosophy is so powerful, but from personal experience, much easier said than done. So how can we truly keep that equanimity, no matter what we’re going through?

1. Keep It In Mind

I once heard a speaker say, “When it’s summer time, keep the winter in mind. And when it’s the winter, remember to keep the summer in mind.” This sound advice stuck with me ever since I heard it. When things are going well it’s important to model nature. Nature, during the summer months is consumed with getting ready for the winter months. It never wastes, but rather saves so that there will be enough reserve for when stocks run low. Likewise when we’re going through good times it’s important to remember that we should prepare ourselves for if anything bad does come along. On the flip side, when we’re dealing with bad experiences, it’s useful to remember that the summer follows the winter. Nothing ever lasts forever and just as the spring melts the ice of the winter, so good things will sprout out of all the obstacles along our life’s path.

2. People

One of the most important things you can ever do is surround yourself with people who make their own sunshine. Why? Well, as cliche as it sounds, who you hang out with is who you become. If you spend time with people who get effected by the smallest of problems and react to them in a way that doesn’t serve, then this will eventually rub off on you. Instead, limit time with these people and seek out those who find the silver lining in each obstacle that crosses their path.

3. Keep a journal

Take time to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Even if you never read what you wrote ever again! The mind is a like a washing machine. It turns the same thoughts over and over and doesn’t allow for much clarity. As soon as you write all your worries down, the unconscious mind frees up space to problem solve and a more balanced view of the issue will follow shorty.