by Carl Conrad

Created on: April 09, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Balance is like harmony ~ a word that implies stability and strength, but not in an overt way rather by its freedom from extremes. As humans who battle with temptation, excess, and annoyance nearly every waking moment, to fill our days with simple techniques to keep our lives in balance can strengthen our bodies while clearing our minds.

To start each day with a much larger view of the world can give us comfort about our role in it. Many people read a passage of scripture, or recite a few words of wisdom from a text of fabled writings. However, just a glimpse out the window as you rise from slumber at the sprawling, endless, magnificent sky and the intricate web of Nature strung all through it can fill you with a sense of awe and majesty. Watch the clouds tumble or float, mix and mingle; watch the activity in trees or shrubs, in the garden or along the windowsill as little creatures play their part in keeping things together. Then, realize that you have your part to play as well.

Music can be a tremendous mood enhancer. Make yourself a special CD or two that you can listen to while getting ready for work or starting your day. Don't let that chattering claptrap of murders, accidents, and scandals on your radio or television reach unchallenged into your day with its ample platter of gloom and doom. To have balance in your life, you'll need at least a dump truck's worth of uplifting, invigorating, inspirational feelings to offset the endless drone of death and despair that will bombard you from every media source you encounter all day long. Instead, stick a CD of songs or instrumentals into your player, and start the day with zest, enthusiasm, and encouragement.

Exercise! Just the word alone can energize you! But, it doesn't need to be an unbending, relentless, unforgiving commitment that requires you to get all hot and sweaty, then to shower and clean up. Exercise can be some extra bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and stair-climbing that you mix into your everyday routine. Just the recognition that some extra movement in your everyday routine can make you healthier and feel better as it also gives you the motivation to do it.

Keeping a picture with you of someone who makes you feel good when you look at them can put balance into your life. It can even be an animal, a friend, or someone who passed away; a child, a grandchild, or even a place you want to visit. A glance at the right time can help the tensions melt away.

Strive for balance ~ it will make you healthy, happy, and more complete.

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