As I watched the geese preening themselves this morning – all standing on one leg as they did so, I was filled with admiration. Having had both encephalitis and viral meningitis in the past, my own sense of balance leaves much to be desired. Despite having practised yoga for more than a quarter of a century, my Vrksasana – or Tree Pose – is less like a mighty oak; more like a reed in a howling gale.
But finding it difficult to hold my balance one one leg doesn’t impact hugely on my life. What did impact my life, however, was the reason I ended up with two different brain viruses (in the space of 7 years) in the first place: my entire life was out of kilter. I was working as a teacher, looking after my three children. Running them to their: ballet, drama, netball, tennis, gymnastics, parties, play dates and everything else involved in raising kids. The object being, ironically, to support them to become `well balanced’ individuals.
I was also supporting my parents and brother through illnesses that would turn out to be terminal – 200 miles away. All my energy was going between my children, my parents and my job. No space for me anywhere. So what did my body do? If the brain is the control centre of the body, mine pulled the plug. It shut down! Forced me to stop and focus on myself.
And it was shortly after recovering from viral meningitis that I began my journey with Reiki. I firmly believe that no experience in life is wasted and, certainly, my brush with these two crippling illnesses led me to my life’s purpose – for which I am eternally grateful.
Some years ago I had a client who worked like a man possessed. He was up early, worked late, went in at weekends and hardly took any holidays. On the rare occasions he did take time off, he was ill: flu, chest infections, shingles, vomiting – you name it. Once, when I asked him if he had any idea what his body was trying to tell him he replied, `Not to stop working.’ Doh! Wrong answer!
The late Dr K. Bradford Brown says,
`Life keeps turning up the volume until we hear the message.‘
My client simply wasn’t hearing the messages. But, being totally honest, how many of us do hear what Life is telling us until our bodies shut down or, worse still – die!
The phrase work/life balance is widely used these days but, within that, there must be space for us. It’s no use balancing work, kids, parents and housework if we don’t add ourselves to the equation. We are the linchpin of our own lives and the lives of those we support. Taking time for ourselves is NOT being selfish: it’s the very opposite. It’s enabling us to keep doing the things we want – and need – to do in life: put food on the table, pay the bills, raise the children, care for the elderly and, most importantly, enjoy the company of those we love for as long as possible.
Work + rest + play + ME = a balanced life.
Simples!
Reiki in Wanstead 