A Rewarding Life Still Needs Balance

Over the past few months I've had this nagging feeling that there was something missing in my life and I couldn't for the life of me figure it out; I had everything I'd always wanted: a loving husband, a perfect baby, a beautiful home, a challenging career and a tight network of friends; but I still felt unfulfilled. Then it came to me - I was missing balance. My roles as mother, wife, employee, student, volunteer and friend were rewarding, but unbalanced. 
 
I know balance seems like a no-brainer, but this is something I've never sought after, it just came naturally. So when I had my ah-ha moment I still wasn't quite sure how to incorporate it into my life.

I started slowly by allocating time each day for each activity of importance, but as any parent of a small child knows, plans are great, but kids keep their own schedule.

I tried incorporating visits to the gym a few times a week, but watching SportsCenter or ESPN Sports while running nowhere left me feeling more unbalanced than before. 

I tried meditating, but it went something like this: Breathe In, Breathe Out. Sat Nam, Sat Nam. Oh, don't forget to RSVP for the high school reunion. I wonder if anyone will  remember me? Will I remember them? I wonder if any of them meditate? Oh right, Sat, Nam. Sat Nam. I'm hungry. What should I make for dinner? I wonder if Jack will eat spinach if I hide it in his lasagna. I want to go back to Italy, there was the best lasagna at that little restaurant; I wonder if I'll be able to find it again.

As you can see it was not the most productive use of time.
 
As an afterthought I signed up for a free yoga class at work. I'd tried yoga before (unsuccessfully I might add), but I figured it was free so why not? 

One session was all it took to convince me that yoga was the missing piece in my life! When I'd tried it in college I was annoyed by the slow movements and strange poses, but I had balance in my life then (or at least I had Happy Hour) - I didn't need it like I needed it now and that made all the difference in world. 

The quiet harmony allowed and continues to allow me to relax at a level I had forgotten was possible. I'm a much calmer, happier, well-balanced person because of yoga and I find myself looking forward to each session.

So if any of you are looking for that missing peice in your lives give yoga a try - and good luck!
 
Namaste.