Riding the wave

Balance – Part 2.

In our quest for balance, we often search for unequivocal truths and ultimate ends. “If I just manage to get this right, everything will be ok.” Sound familiar? 

So why is it we so often find ourselves teetering, falling or sometimes grasping at anything within reach in order to not plunge head first into deep waters?

Balance is not a static being. It requires constant reassessment and realignment. It also requires movement. Think of yourself as a child leaning how to ride a bicycle and how it was almost impossible to stay balanced if you were not peddling forward. Remember that awkward feeling if you did slow down; the weaving motion and the uncertainty of what to do with your feet and hands. Now remember the feeling as you are cruising along in your banana-seat bicycle, handlebar streamers flapping in the wind – balance was easy. In fact, you were even able to lift your hands off those handlebars and cross them confidently across your chest as you continued to your next destination.

Same bike, same driver. 

Inertia versus motion = different results.

When you are moving forward, you are giving yourself the freedom to experiment and find that sense of equilibrium. You can test the waters.

This testing of the waters is to be repeated often, for despite your best laid plans or keen intentions, the road of life is not a straight, newly paved path. So, you constantly have to connect yourself with your space, your being and your direction. Tap into how you are feeling and try on what feels right. There is definitely an element of trial and error. What is right for you now, may not be a good fit tomorrow and what feels balanced for me, may seem distorted to you. 

This became crystal clear to me when someone asked me how running the Clam Chowder Challenge could equate to balance. This question gave me pause for thought – it does, objectively, seem a tad excessive to run a marathon and a half marathon in the same weekend. How could such an extreme challenge bring me balance? Seems almost as impossible as the challenge itself…

However, curiously it did create a kind of synergy I desperately need at the time. Running had become the antidote to my hectic life. It eased my stress and kept me fit. By setting this lofty goal, I was allowing myself the freedom to run more often and go long on Sundays. I was allowing myself to justify my “me time”. As a busy working professional and mom of young children who were involved in sports – this was a real luxury. I could rationalize the time spent running as necessary training, no questions asked. Moreover, I felt way less guilt as I headed out the door. 

Those kilometres I spent pounding the pavement gave me way more than just a fit body and runner’s high. They were time for me to plan, reflect and breathe. They were a time for me to recenter and tune into my needs, wants, hopes and dreams. 

I set a goal, moved forward and in doing so, I created a balanced life for myself. Making a home, working, driving to ballet classes, attending hockey games, making meals and running. Wife, lawyer, mom, fan, chef and athlete.

Circumstances change, kids grow older, dreams get altered. Sometimes you may hit a wave and get knocked down. Shit happens. What you have to do is pick yourself back up, find your footing, rechart your course and set sail into the horizon. 

And sometimes, rocking the boat is just what the captain ordered. It may just be the jolt you needed to help you find your sea legs.