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.
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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?
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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.