How many times have you found yourself switching from one activity to the next, while still thinking about something that happened two days ago? Laundry, phone calls, bills, commuting, meetings, e-mails, deadlines, and the lists go on and on. Many of our gears are set on hyper-drive, whether at work or at home, while our minds are probably thinking about either a previous activity or planning ahead.

You are not alone. Finding balance between what goes on at work and what goes on at home is a challenge for many. So is there some magic trick to finding work-life balance? Actually, there is. It's called the present moment.

BECOME AWARE

Once you become aware that you are allowing work and life to intertwine, you have taken the first and most important step to a balanced life. As you find yourself thinking about yesterday or tomorrow or people or deadlines or to-do lists, stop. Notice that you are doing it, but don't beat yourself up! This is totally normal. Actually, you should be proud that you have taken notice, and now that you are aware, you are ready for the next step.

MAKE THE SWITCH TO STILLNESS

The key to making the switch from awareness to peaceful presence is letting your mind and body know that you are switching gears. A stillness routine works wonders. You may want to try saying a code word or phrase silently to yourself when you notice that you are not present. This code also signals to the rest of your body that you are aware. Examples of code words and phrases include: "presence," "here I am," "time to be," or "the time is now."

Breathing exercises are another common stillness routine. Become aware of your inhalation and exhalation as you breathe. The number of breaths you take depends on what works best for you, but three to five usually works well. You can also hum a tune, look up at the sky, or roll your shoulders, whatever helps you release from the previous activity. The most important thing is to find a routine that is easily doable wherever and whenever you may be.

BE MINDFUL OF WHERE YOU ARE

Now that your mind and body have separated from the previous activity, it is time to be present, wherever you may be. This step is crucial to truly finding the balance between work and life, and between one activity and the next. Begin by being mindful of all of your senses: sound, touch, taste, smell, and sight. Listen to all of the sounds around you, and also be sure to listen within, to your breath and your heartbeat. Touch your fingertips. Wiggle your toes. Taste and smell the air around you. Look around. You are becoming present. Now be.

THE SIXTH SENSE

As you bring more and more moments of stillness and presence to your life, you will start to notice the development of your sixth sense - your intuition. You will notice when you have a knot in your stomach, or when something just feels right, or if you have a hunch. These moments are guiding you toward purpose - which will bring you the greatest, most balanced life of all.

To learn more, check out the following recommended reading:

"A New Earth," by Eckhart Tolle

"The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success," by Deepak Chopra

Learn more about this author, Ophir Lehavy Busel.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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