Balance is neverending
season of duality and temperance, practicing alignment, raynor winn's books, the whole doula podcast
I’ve been thinking a lot about balance this equinox season, when day and night are equal around the globe… the balance between opposites, or duality… night and day, yes and no, harmony and contradiction, vulnerability and resilience, introspection and joyful connection.
And the balance that comes from sacrifice, discernment and temperance. I’m observing myself and others finding ways to self regulate. Learning a sense of the proper timing or season for things. Stretching or modifying our bodies and thoughts to be attuned to what is around us.
Lately one of my practices has been a weekly personal training session focusing on the strength in my legs and pelvis. Literally being more aware of the balance between my two legs; of how I am using each joint and muscle. And what it feels like when I am in alignment or not. It helps me reflect more broadly on my integrity in life - where I’m in alignment or not with my relationships, communication, self talk etc.
This is hard work! It takes time and daily awareness. And it helps to have others to inspire you with their ways and remind you to keep going.
Because of course, balance is neverending. It is not a goal to be achieved.
As we move further from the equinox, the world reminds us that things are constantly spiraling and changing. The days are getting longer here in the southern hemisphere. The summer is predicted to be hot and dry. The challenges and gifts of a new season are always ahead.
One of the reasons I want more strength in my legs is that I am walking more often, planning longer bushwalks and dreaming of pilgrimages and trails, inspired by these wonderful books:
“These paths that cross our lands take human energy and imprint it on the earth, connecting us to it, leaving both the land and the human changed by that connection”
- Raynor Winn, Landlines
I’ve also been inspired by these thoughtful people articulating their search for balance, temperance and attunement to the world around us:
- Prioritising slowing down and the snail girl era
- This beautiful love letter to hummingbirds
- The Whole Doula Podcast (I feature on episode 4)
I love the unique way thoughts emerge through conversation compared to writing. And I know I receive different information when listening to voices - the emotion, the pauses, the timbre and rhythm. If you’re curious to explore my work in this way, I’ve created a link for all the guest podcasts I have spoken on so far.
Thinking of you wherever you are in your sense of balance and alignment. Keep going!
Love,
Emily
