Spring Equinox: A Reminder of the Importance of Balance
Balance is important for our health and wellbeing. As we approach the Spring Equinox -when the day and night are of equal length - as humans we need to focus on bringing greater balance and equanimity into our own lives.
Yin and Yang
In Chinese medicine, balance is the key to good health. There are two different aspects to our physical energy – Yin and Yang – and we need both to function optimally. It is very helpful to think of our wellbeing in this way and to learn to listen to our body as it will tell us what it needs for our physical, emotional and spiritual health. If we feel hungry, for example, we may believe that we need food. However, it might be that we’re hungry for something else, such as spiritual fulfilment or greater connection, so we need to pay close attention.
Self-awareness
Our needs are not fixed and static but change constantly so being able to ‘check in’ with ourselves regularly is a very important practice. Our wellbeing is impacted by external factors like our environment, family, job and the natural world so these also need to be taken into consideration. Taking good care of ourselves means realising what is important to us through a process of observation and self-awareness.
What are the signs to look out for that might indicate our lives are out of balance? We might feel unwell, unhappy or dis-eased. We might develop addictions which can be an attempt to plug perceived gaps within ourselves or relieve feelings of emptiness if we are not living our true purpose. We might find ourselves ruminating and overthinking things.
Tools to helps us achieve balance
Meditation can help us to achieve greater balance in our lives. It allows us to connect to our true self – the self that is beyond our social identity and that knows who we are and why we came into this life. When we meditate we learn to be still and to quiet our thoughts. In Japanese, this peaceful, grounded state is called 中庸 Chuuyo. It is akin to being able to stand sure-footedly on a ship that is constantly moving on the ocean swell. In the neutral state of meditation we are more able to listen to our body and tune into our life’s purpose. This greater spiritual awareness is the key to our fulfilment.
Healing is also beneficial in helping us to become more balanced as it can support us to tap into our inner resources and heal any issues that may be preventing us from achieving our full potential.
Balance in nature
We can learn a lot about the importance of balance from observing the natural world around us. Our planet and all the planets in our galaxy move in perfect harmony, each one influenced by the magnetic pull of the others. Our environment, too, has a natural balance and when we are in step with these natural rhythms, we humans experience greater wellbeing.
Have you ever noticed that a walk in the fresh air if you are feeling down can help to lift your spirits? In Japan, tassels are used to symbolise the sacred because they move in the wind and the wind is an expression of the divine. Look around you, touch the leaves and tree bark, feel the wind in your hair. Getting outside in nature is another important way for us to feel more balanced and in tune with our true selves. And, as the days become longer and the weather warmer, now is the perfect time to experience the benefits of our connection to nature.
Leaves Institute runs a range of courses to help you cultivate balance, healing and meditative practice. To find out more, see our courses page or contact our team for more information.