You’ve heard that phrase “garbage in, garbage out”. It reminds me that everything we do is connected to something and probably someone else. I regularly ask my students about their goals and aspirations. They want to be lawyers, forensic psychologists, clinical psychologists, divorce mediators, teachers, and occupational therapists. When their behavior doesn’t seem to match their goals, I ask again.
“So what did you say you want to be when you grow up?” I remind them that they won’t simply wake up one day and be in the role they desire.
Everything we do today is a part of building up to the moment we want. That pretty picture we want to have in our future is happening right now. Now is the seed that grows into a forest. Now is the drop in the water that becomes our glorious, resounding waterfall of a life.
We can use this strategy everyday. Think about it. How do you want to feel at the end of the day? What are you doing in your day to get you there? How are you managing your resources? How are you getting what you need to be at your best?
Answering these questions reveals the power of balance. Building, maximizing and moderating our resources gives us energy to power our bodies, minds and spirits. Here are three easy ways to pump up the power of balance.
Monitor Your Body Cycle – I’ve heard people say, “I’m a morning person.” Or, “I’m a night person.” Science indicates that the body has a cycle know as the circadian rhythm. Our blood pressure, breathing rate, heart rate etc. change as the day changes. In traditional Chinese medicine, the body has a clock. Each one of the twelve major energy pathways takes a turn being in charge of the body throughout the 24-hour day.
You may notice that your energy level differs throughout the day. I invite you to note when your energy is highest, lowest and somewhere in between.
Pay attention to the activities that seem to boost your energy and those that seem to drain it. Hal Elrod says that how you start your day determines your flow and finish. He has a great morning routine that helps people build and sustain their energy throughout the day. People report better creativity and productivity. Check out his Miracle Morning.
Mind Your Head – Yes, if you’re tall like my dad was, then, you may need to bend when entering a room. It’s also important to monitor our thoughts and feelings. Overthinking, excessive worry, rumination are energy drains. My students will tell you that this is why they choose the wrong answers on exams.
Notice when you’re going down this road. Is there a thought that has become a broken record in your head, stuck on repeat? This is known as self-monitoring. Pay attention to what the worry is telling you and address it. Problem-solve. Remember that you can. The resources you need are available to you.
Have Faith – Some of our most powerful resources are invisible. There’s a bible verse that says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I know you’ve done it before. I’ve done it many times. I set a goal or intention and had no idea how I would get there. I simply trusted that I would be where I wanted to be, have what I wanted to have. And sure enough, the right people started showing up. I got what I needed and manifested my intention. You will manifest your intentions over and over again. It’s the magnificent power of your invisible but ever-present faith.
Here’s your Balance Power Playlist:
Monitor your body cycle.
Mind your head.
Have faith.
© Sandra Y. Lewis