In our fast-paced world, finding balance in our lives can often seem like an elusive goal. We juggle multiple responsibilities, strive to meet our goals and obligations, and try to maintain our physical and emotional wellbeing – all while staying connected to the people and communities that matter to us. It can be easy to lose sight of what really matters and feel overwhelmed by the constant demands on our time and attention. That’s why it’s so important to take a step back, evaluate our priorities, and find a sense of balance that works for us.
According to Dr. John Demartini, a renowned human behavior expert, there are seven core areas of our lives that we need to balance in order to achieve true fulfillment and wellbeing. These areas include:
- Spiritual – Our connection to a higher power, our sense of purpose and meaning, and our values and beliefs.
- Mental – Our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and intellectual pursuits.
- Vocational – Our work, career, and contributions to society.
- Financial – Our relationship with money, our ability to manage our finances, and our level of abundance and prosperity.
- Familial – Our relationships with our family members, including our parents, siblings, children, and other relatives.
- Social – Our relationships with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, and our ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
- Physical – Our health, fitness, and overall wellbeing, including our diet, exercise, and self-care habits.
While all of these areas are important, the key to finding balance is to evaluate which ones are most important to us personally, and why. For example, if we value our spiritual connection, we might prioritise spending time in meditation or prayer each day, while if we value our physical health, we might prioritise regular exercise and healthy eating habits. By focusing on what matters most to us, we can create a sense of balance and harmony that supports our overall wellbeing.
To evaluate which areas are most important to us, we can ask ourselves some key questions, such as:
- What do I feel most passionate about?
- What brings me the greatest sense of joy and fulfillment?
- What are my top priorities in life?
- What are my values and beliefs, and how do they influence my choices and actions?
- What do I want to achieve in my life, and how do these different areas of my life contribute to those goals?
By taking the time to reflect on these questions and honestly assess our priorities, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and what we need to live a fulfilling and balanced life. Whether we’re seeking to improve our relationships, find greater meaning and purpose in our work, or simply take better care of ourselves, finding balance is an ongoing process that requires awareness, intention, and commitment. But with the right mindset and tools, it’s possible to achieve a sense of balance and harmony in our lives that supports our overall wellbeing and helps us to thrive.
A Different Perspective
From a Sufi perspective, the seven core areas of our lives identified by Dr. John Demartini are important, but they are ultimately secondary to our spiritual growth and development. The Sufis believe that by cultivating a deep sense of inner awareness and connecting with the divine, we can find balance and harmony in all aspects of our lives, including our relationships, work, and physical health.
For the Sufis, finding balance is not a one-time accomplishment, but an ongoing process that requires constant self-reflection and spiritual practice. By focusing on the inner journey, rather than the external trappings of success, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment that transcends the challenges and distractions of the world.
In summary, the Sufi perspective on finding balance in our lives is deeply rooted in spiritual practice and the pursuit of inner wisdom and connection with the divine. By cultivating a sense of inner peace and harmony, we can find balance in all areas of our lives and live with a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
Mindfullness
Another interesting perspective on finding balance in our lives is that of mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. By cultivating mindfulness, we can learn to become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, and develop a greater sense of clarity and focus in our lives.
From a mindfulness perspective, finding balance is not just about balancing different areas of our lives, but about cultivating a balanced state of mind. This requires a commitment to mindfulness practice, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and mindful movement, as well as a willingness to approach each moment with an open and non-judgmental attitude.
One of the key insights of mindfulness is that our experience of balance is not determined by external circumstances, but by our internal state of mind. By cultivating a sense of calm and equanimity, we can learn to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease and grace, and find balance even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
In addition, mindfulness teaches us to let go of our attachment to external outcomes and achievements, and focus instead on the present moment. By letting go of our expectations and judgments, we can find a greater sense of contentment and fulfillment in our lives, and develop a deeper appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
Overall, the mindfulness perspective on finding balance in our lives emphasises the importance of cultivating a balanced state of mind, rather than simply balancing different areas of our lives. By practicing mindfulness, we can develop a greater sense of clarity, focus, and inner peace, and learn to live with greater balance and harmony in all aspects of our lives.
An unusual and philosophical perspective on finding balance in our lives is to embrace the concept of “wu-wei” from the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism. Wu-wei can be translated as “non-action” or “effortless action,” and refers to the idea of living in harmony with the natural flow of life, rather than resisting or trying to control it.
Wu-Wei
From a wu-wei perspective, finding balance is not a matter of actively striving to achieve external goals or balance different areas of our lives, but rather of surrendering to the natural ebb and flow of life and allowing things to unfold as they will. This requires a deep trust in the universe and a willingness to let go of our attachment to outcomes and expectations.
Rather than trying to control every aspect of our lives, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony by learning to be present in each moment and responding to life with spontaneity and creativity. This requires a deep sense of trust in ourselves and our intuition, as well as a willingness to let go of our fears and doubts.
Ultimately, the wu-wei perspective on finding balance in our lives emphasises the importance of living in harmony with the natural flow of life, rather than trying to control or resist it. By embracing the concept of non-action and cultivating a deep sense of trust and intuition, we can find balance and harmony in all aspects of our lives and live with a greater sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
Breaking My Addictions Summary
To summarise, finding balance in our lives is crucial for our wellbeing and fulfillment. We can achieve this by prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, cultivating gratitude, building meaningful relationships, pursuing meaningful work, and embracing imperfection.
To make daily changes towards finding balance, we can start small by taking intentional action towards our goals. This can include spending time with loved ones, engaging in self-care activities, practicing mindfulness, expressing gratitude, pursuing hobbies, and setting healthy boundaries.
Remember that finding balance is an ongoing process, and it’s okay to take small steps towards our goals. By committing to daily changes that align with our values, we can create a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
So, take action today and make daily changes towards cultivating a more balanced life. You deserve to live a life that brings you joy and happiness.
