So we keep referring to the term “equilibrium” of mind, body, and spirit…
What exactly do we mean?
Although this will be an ongoing topic, we would like to present to you an overall summary, so that you can get the gist of it.
Equilibrium means balance. But it also can mean something a bit different for everyone. That’s why we don’t really advocate a one-size-fits-all approach to achieving personal harmony, and the resulting weight loss. This is because, bottom line, everyone is not the same! What one considers equilibrium and balance, another may think otherwise. For example, if someone feels still bright, energetic, and cheery after a 60-hour work week, and another feels drained after a 40-hour work week, then the former person may be able to achieve balance while working so many hours, whereas the latter person may need to (if they are able) decrease the time and energies devoted to work a bit in order to achieve their balance.
Pay attention to your emotions, and creatively try to manage them the best that you can. This is why we talk about understanding and recognizing what’s going on inside of you. Paying close attention to yourself, recognizing the times where you are starting to go into a funk, and developing strategies to help divert yourself away from the vulnerability that results from unchecked negative feelings is a major step in the right direction toward equilibrium. Getting to this point can be hard work, but anyone can do it. We want to help you get there by constructively discussing subjects like stress, depression, addiction, self-esteem, conditioning, self-worth, among other areas. In our culture, for some reason these are subjects that don’t seem to be talked about too much in the mainstream, like we’re all supposed to be ten-feet tall and bulletproof mentally – like we come out of the womb as perfect prototypes that are supposed to automatically have everything perfectly mapped out, and if we don’t achieve those things as planned, then we must be weak, lazy, or something. Forget all of that and realize that everyone is unique, and all of our paths are a bit different. It’s what you make of your current state that matters – forget about the past and all the societal “norms” that make you think that you have to be a certain way.
Harness your passions. Everyone has some sort of creative passion or outlet. And it doesn’t have to be something that you traditionally think of. Just think about what you enjoy the most – something that is healthy for you. If eating treats, drinking alcohol, smoking, or any other habit which can be detrimental comes to mind first, than think harder! Those don’t promote balance!
And it doesn’t have to be complicated either. You don’t have to be an artist, musician, or something of that sort either (although you may be and not even know it)! You could really enjoy listening to loud music, but can never seem to make the time. Reading may be quite enjoyable for you, but you seem to end up in front of the TV instead. Walking through the woods may be something that you feel is just fantastic, but it’s tough to get yourself out the door to do it! You remember enjoying the sense of community that you would feel when going to the religious services of your tradition, but somehow fell out of touch due to a busy schedule.
Whatever it is for you, it can be a healthy outlet that can help you achieve your equilibrium. Consider reinvigorating it and remembering the importance of devoting some time to yourself. Immersing yourself into a healthy hobby, pastime, tradition, or leisurely activity helps you reset, rejuvenate, and focus your mind on more positive energies.
Take care of yourself! Negative emotions, addictions, obsessions, or other negative energies can have a side effect of self-destructive behaviors. A person who feels unworthy or depressed may tend to almost unconsciously neglect to really take care of himself. This could involve not sleeping properly, eating poorly, neglecting good hygiene, good housekeeping, using substances, and other destructive habits.
This is an area we will cover extensively, so we won’t go too far into it here, but you should get the gist of it.
Create a healthy work-life balance. Is your job taking more than its fair share of your life? Do you find it hard to say no to increased workload or schedule pressures, even if they’re not mandatory? Do you feel completely dragged out by the end of your work week? If you answered yes to any of these, you may benefit by working toward adjusting your approach to work and allow yourself more room to breathe, so that you don’t end up burning yourself out. And you can keep your same job while you’re at it! There are many ways to help balance out this area of your life, so that there is more time left for you to enjoy your own life. Check back periodically for an ongoing chat about this!
Enjoy your time with your family to the fullest! Do you find that family time seems to consist of a small time watching TV, and the rest of it seems to be a bit detached or distant? Make an effort to try to strengthen bonds and nurture your relationships, in whatever way may work best for you. The time that you spend with family, and all the smiles, laughter, and love than can result, just helps reinforce an uplifting mood and sense of positivity.
Learn about a balanced way of eating, and shifting toward it for life. Again, everyone’s “way” can be a bit different, but there is generally a common theme and food elements that it consists of. Learning about all of the components of food, and about nutrition in general, can help guide you toward making and adjusting to food choices that are the most nourishing and healthy for you. And let me assure you, flavor and enjoyment will not go by the wayside! The typical American diet leaves out many awesome flavors, so you may actually be missing out on the good stuff!
Obviously this will be a huge focus for us as well! Look forward to a robust series of discussions about this over time, and even some great recipes and meal ideas!
Keep yourself moving. Most of all, this means learning how to not be sedentary, but instead keeping yourself active doing things you enjoy. And this doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym (although if you enjoy that, then go for it)! Don’t forget that there’s emphasis on the word “enjoy!” You can find things that you enjoy that certainly can count as exercise!
Nurture your beliefs, nurture yourself, and nurture your confidence. Ignite that spark that is always within you! Light up your feisty, sassy self! This can mean engaging in stimulating conversation with friends. It can mean nurturing those strong values that you have and directing them toward good works. It can mean having an open mind. It can mean letting go of societal conditioning.
Oh, here we go with the whole societal conditioning thing again! Really, we feel this is so important. There are so many things around us that we have been ingrained to think are “normal”, that really could use some re-evaluation.
So I guess what this part can mean it to not be afraid to be yourself! Don’t be afraid to speak up! Don’t be afraid to go against the grain! Don’t be afraid to harness your strengths! Don’t be afraid to show your confidence!
So this is what we feel is equilibrium, and one of the great side effects can be sustained weight loss. To us, weight loss is just more than exercise and eating right, although those are important aspects. What we mean by this is that hitting the gym for a couple hours a day and eating less will likely help a person shed some pounds, but it is the achievement of an overall balanced lifestyle which can help keep it off for good! But even more, you can get to enjoy a more peaceful, content, and healthy life while you’re at it!
That’s what we mean by equilibrium! Check back often for an ongoing discussion!
