Bringing Balance Into My Life

The universe takes and gives everything you didn’t know you needed. These prompts are an invitation to step inside yourself and explore what balance means to you. Rupi Kaur

When a young woman, my mother taught me about balance. Standing on one leg when washing dishes was one of the ways. She was doing this one day as I entered the kitchen. She reminded me of the beautiful pink flamingo.

She said, “As we age, we lose our balance easier. There are lots of balance exercises, this is just one.” Her words are so true. I didn’t realize that at the time, and I remembered it later when balance became an issue.

That is how it is for many. We work on the problem once we have it instead of doing prevention. I heard many stories about balance growing up but I only fully acknowledged this as an adult.

Balance for our body is one. Then there is the mind, some fit emotion, volition, and other things into one category, and finally spirit. I was taught as a child that when we fit belief in God and build this relationship everything else works out just fine.

Religion was and wasn’t helpful. As was having male family members in the armed services to teach me about foxhole prayer. I would use that prayer even when I thought I was an atheist or agnostic.

Rupi Kaur’s Balance Writing Prompt - How does the following quote make you feel? “i thank the universe for taking everything it has taken and giving to me everything it is giving” (Milk and Honey, page 159)

You have a large Miigwech/Thank you to the universe from me “for taking everything it has taken and giving to me everything it is giving”.

The universe is where our people return to in dust to dust and also our spirit travels to the Milky Way.

We are given life and are for such a short time on this earth - if we are lucky we live, love, laugh, and enjoy all that is meant for us. We give to others and care for Mother Nature the best way we can to protect what is here for the next seven generations.

Rupi Kaur’s Balance Writing Prompt — I would like to apologize to myself for ______________.

It seems like I have recently written something similar. Since I recently have had food issues, I would say “I would like to apologize to myself for …” Not being a better caretaker of my body. I am overweight and have been for much of my life.

In recognition of cortisol and how that works, no apology. Allowing myself to get obese is another matter. I have known for some time that sugar and most processed foods are addicting to me. Yet, I continue to ‘try’ them again. Like drinking alcohol for me it was never just one!

For today, I apologize by eating a more thoughtful diet and getting some exercise.

Rupi Kaur’s Balance Writing Prompt — I feel guilty when I say “no” to __________ because ____________.

Occasionally, I feel guilty saying no to an alcoholic/drug addict I love because I know they are struggling with an illness that could mean their death at any time. And yet, I know I don’t wish to contribute to their addiction. And I don’t want to interfere with their bottom.

It will be important to me to remember that I can love my loved ones and pray for them. “Helping them isn’t always helping!” Not enabling is showing love. We all have a bottom to hit and I pray it doesn’t have to be death for my loved ones.

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First published by Mercury Press on medium.com