Today is the Fall Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. Those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere are now entering the autumn season–leaves are changing color, the air is becoming cool and crisp, and the nights are getting colder. It is a beautiful time of the year!
Today, all over the world, we are experiencing one of the two days of the year when day and night are equal in length–a state of balance between dark and light.
So how can we bring that state of balance into ourselves today? Are there ways we can focus on finding balance in our own lives? And what exactly does “finding balance” mean?
I used to think that in order to be living a balanced life, I had to create balance on a daily basis between work and family, time to myself and time with others–and I needed to have everything scheduled so that no day felt more weighted than another. Talk about creating imbalance! The ebb and flow of our days changes from day to day. Each day brings differing demands, deadlines, commitments, and more. Something unexpected may even occur. One day, we may have five tasks that must be accomplished and then the next, we have nothing specific to address.
So, for me, I’ve realized that it is impossible to have everything in balance like the equal parts of light and dark today. Balance doesn’t mean that within my day everything has to be apportioned equally–I don’t need to create equal amounts of work and play or solitude and social time. The equinox does remind me, however, that there is something I can do and a way that I can live which is saner. I can grow within me that sense of inner balance, so that no matter what is occurring externally, I feel centered within. And I can carry that sense of inner stability with me throughout my day.
For each of us, the way to achieve inner balance may be different. I enjoy journaling, meditating, reading, and taking quiet time for myself. For others, it may be a walk in nature or listening to a beautiful piece of music. It may also be allowing the creative process to flow outward into expression. Or it might be a soak in the tub with no distractions (using Bubble Goddess Bath Co. products of course!). Whatever it may be for you, try to find time each and every day to bring yourself to a place of equilibrium.
And for today, as we experience the light and dark equally, give thanks for nature’s reminder that within the cycle and the ebb and flow of life, we can experience inner balance for ourselves. May you have such a day today!
