Reclaiming balance

Balance is one of those words we hear a lot, and it's in good company with words such as empowerment, sustainability, and green. The more they’re used, perhaps the less we understand them - more lofty ideals than attainable goals. We hear the word and think, oh yes, balance - that would be nice – and we move on.

Balance for mothers

What does balance mean for us as mothers? The pictures accompanying articles about balance always seem to include a woman in yoga gear with a serene face and a bubbling fountain nearby. How do we translate this image of balance into our daily reality of children, laundry, work, relationship, exercise . . . and the list goes on.

The true definition of balance has nothing to do with standing on one leg with our hands in prayer position and soft glow of contentment. In fact, balance is defined as a “harmonious distribution of parts within the whole.” Such a rich definition of balance opens the room for us to redefine this image for ourselves as mothers.

Let’s go back to that active household of yours. Looking at your life as it is right now, where does most of your energy go? What have you set aside that you are missing? What is working? What isn’t? What might harmonious distribution of your energies (aka, balance) look like?

Simple ways to achieve balance

Yes, there are times when most of our energy is directed toward the children, household, or our work, and we may feel overwhelmed and drained. Even within these times, consider ways you might bring a spirit of balance to your day. Small steps can make a big difference. A heart-to-heart talk with a dear friend, a nourishing meal, or a five-minute stretch or walk may all seem small, but the way they nourish us goes far beyond the time they take out of our day.

The quest for balance is indeed a lofty one, and true life balance is not a static state but rather a way of being that comes and goes with the changing needs of life and family. Keep it simple, with harmony as your goal, and you might just find more balance than you had imagined possible – messy kitchen and all.

Join Mama Renew for one of their special summer workshops, including Reclaiming Balance on Aug. 12.

Sarah Juliusson is the mother of two boys, and co-founder of Mama Renew, offering groups for new and seasoned mothers. To learn more about their groups, or enjoy their musings on motherhood and life balance visit www.MamaRenew.ca. She also mentors Birthing From Within prenatal classes with Dancing Star Birth.

Reclaiming balance

Balance for mothers

Simple ways to achieve balance

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