By David Gelfand
Guest Writer for Wake Up World
At the very core of our being, from the moment we’re born, it becomes apparent that not all things are like. There are good and bad, hot and cold, lazy and relentless, and so on. Life, from the moment we’re born to the day we pass, becomes a balancing act.
The concepts of choice, freedom and will power are what define our every move. We choose our destiny, define our action and live with the results. The beauty of a human being is that he or she has the capability to understand and analyze choices as they play out in life.
Balance, when demonstrated on such a grandiose and high-level approach, may appear daunting, confusing and uncertain. However, when broken down, balance can become much more manageable. When applied to our daily lives, balance represents the handle and organization of various elements within our lives, both internal and external.
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On a purely physiological level, balance can be understood through homeostasis, the process by which our bodies maintain internal stability. However, balance scales far beyond our internal bodily systems.
Each and every one of us is presented with questions, concerns, thoughts and dilemmas on a daily basis. At times, we all find ourselves juggling matters related to diet, work, family relationships, social life and school work. As I sit here writing about balance, the following thoughts run through my mind – I’d like to finish a book I recently started, I need to get into the gym, I need to buy presents for my family’s upcoming birthdays and I’d like to improve my diet. It’s a lot to consider at once.
Life may feel like a game of tug-of-war at times. When we don’t acknowledge, prioritize and analyze our circumstances, our health and wellbeing suffers due to lack of balance and stability. These external elements (work, family, diet, social life, etc.) require balance. Through examination and reflection, we are able to sit down and truly begin to understand how the various pieces fit together. It is vitally important to spend at least an hour each day allocated simply to yourself – no books, no TV, no conversation. This sort of “me” time can be invaluable in considering questions, contemplating answers and creating a do-able timeline for all external question marks. While “me time” can prove to be productive for some, for others, maintaining (or newly establishing) a connection with a trusted partner or friend can be extremely comforting.
On an internal level, beyond homeostasis, balance is the connection between our body and mind. Mind-body connection speaks to the way our emotions and feelings interact with our physical health and behaviors. It’s no mystery why our bodies suffer at times and health ailments arise. While socioeconomic, lifestyle and environmental elements play a role, a lack of balance presents an opportunity for health ailments to persist. Our bodies respond to the way that our mind feels. It’s our bodies’ way of telling us that something isn’t right – balance is out of order. Anxiety, headaches, change in appetite, weight gain, and sweating are just a few examples of how our bodies may react to our mind’s process. All in all, our immune system is a good indicator of our emotional health.
Balance in life is vital to maintaining a foundation in mental, physical and spiritual health. With it, we are able to do more than merely exist – we afford ourselves an opportunity to live and grow.
Previous articles by David Gelfand:
- Yoga Roots – Breathing Through Your Body, Into the Earth
- Yoga and Earthing – Wellness Inspired Practices
- Stay Grounded – Earthing Shoes Join the World of Footwear
- The One Connection We All Share
- The Earth’s Surface May Serve as a Giant Source of Antioxidants in the Form of Free Electrons
About the author:
David Gelfand, a graduate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, is a dedicated environmentalist with especially strong interest in sustainability and history. David is also an avid writer and traveler, spending much of his time in the capacity of a culinary enthusiast.
Working for an upstart ‘grounding footwear’ company called Juil, David is a part of a team that spreads the word about grounding and its associated benefits. Through marketing and educational efforts, David is passionate about the health benefits of this new concept in grounding footwear. Visit www.Juil.com for more information.
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