Contemplative Practice: Finding Balance and Energy Everyday

Our outer self undoubtedly reflects on our inner state of being. When I feel balanced and whole, you can see it in the brightness of my eyes, the clarity of my choices, and the circumstances in life. And when I am not in balance, the opposite is true and life feels a little more muddy. The end goal being to cultivate practices that bring our inner and outer lives into balance.

Clarity usually appears through my morning writing practice. I am immensely grateful for these handwritten insights and how they help direct my daily choices. I dedicate a short time to my pen-and-paper practice. I drink a smoothie alongside a cup of coffee, light a candle, feel the sun shine through the window on my face, take some deep breaths, and write, “What does Elizabeth’s soul want her to know today?”

Don’t get me wrong; this writing practice requires patience and trust, like waiting for a great friend to arrive. (She said she was coming, and you know she will turn up.)

Once you get the hang of this morning ritual and show up regularly, the rhythm will find you without too much effort. Sometimes, I write out last night’s dream or something I read that caught my eye, hoping it will lead me somewhere meaningful, which often it does. One thing that also works well is to begin with gratitude, which generally kick starts things into first gear. Here’s a little snippet from my morning scribble (which I enjoy writing in 3rd person.)

Elizabeth is very grateful for her home, family, and all the precious moments in her life. In taking care of herself, she unknowingly cares for many others.
Notice with deep awareness the in-between, the shifts that give way to pauses. Allow her awareness to rest in these pauses, to give her attention to the spaces— so that she may, as you say, re-group. To experience the joy of being completely free in the moment.
To hone this practice, to be “the observer” of the vibration she is creating in her physical body. When she is in balance, pure intelligence is available— like the entire universe is in alignment with her.”