In yoga class, I often find the one-legged balancing poses the most challenging. Along with finding my center of gravity, I am required to stay alert and focused while also remembering to breathe. Some days my mind is cluttered with worries and “to do’s”–not uncommon for a caregiver and particularly over the holidays–causing me to wobble and lose my balance. Other times, when muscles, bones, thoughts, and emotions are more aligned, I maintain the pose with relative ease.


Balancing the daily routines and rituals of life is much like practicing yoga. A sense of harmony prevails when I stay focused on priorities, like eating regular nutritious meals (and not overindulging on alcohol or sweets), making time for regular exercise, and connecting with friends who nurture my spirit. But I feel “off”–even irritable and sulky–when, for too many days in a row, I allow my needs to go largely unfulfilled as I try to meet the needs and expectations of others.
How do the holidays impact your sense of order and balance? What symptoms remind you that your life is off-kilter? Consider what rituals or practices bring back a sense of balance and stability and try implementing one or two this week?
Have a Blessed and Balanced Holiday Season!!
Rebecca S. Hauder RN, M.Ed