Getting Back into Balance

It’s a new year, and for many that means an opportunity to start anew. Around 40-50% of Americans will set a New Year’s Resolution this year, the Journal of Clinical Psychology reports. By the end of January, 1 in 3 of those who set resolutions will abandon their attempts to follow through with them. But that doesn’t mean that those individuals should lose sight of changes they wish to make in their lives. We do not have to wait for a new year to make resolutions to change our behaviors and get back into “balance,” or a state in which we feel at peace. “At any moment, we have the opportunity to begin again,” said Carol Goldberg, CPCC, Certified Professional Life Coach.

Goldberg, who has a vast educational and professional background in supporting people in living healthier, more meaningful lives, highlighted various ways in which individuals can “center themselves” and come more into balance in their lives, including:

• One Minute and Three Minute Mini-Meditations: Wherever you find yourself, or in a quiet place, close your eyes (if it is safe to do so). Slowly inhale and exhale. If thoughts come, keep refocusing on your breath. Breathe in light and clarity and breathe out stress and fear. Notice the changes to your well-being in giving yourself these precious few moments.
• Loving Kindness Meditation: Work with kindness for yourself regularly. See yourself through the eyes of someone who loves you and then turn that back to yourself. Repeat the mantra “May I be happy. May I be safe. May I be joyful. May I be peaceful.” You can also offer this silently to others…”May you be happy. May you be safe. May you be joyful. May you be at peace.” These are great ways to open your heart and come back in balance.
• Segment-Intending: Set an intention or resolution for a small period of time, such as setting an intention for a certain meeting, meal, or the next thing that pops up in your life. Setting intentions for a short period of time, as opposed to setting a long-term new year’s resolution, will better support you in achieving your goals and help you in becoming more aware, mindful, and aligned with yourself.

Choose one of the above methods to practice re-centering yourself when you feel out of balance. Notice how you feel after a brief period of meditation or after achieving a goal that you set for yourself.