5 Ways to Find Balance & Bliss in Daily Life

Our past does not have to define or confine us. We have the power to choose, now, in this moment, to say YES or NO or MAYBE. We have the power to affect our present and future, yet the wisdom to know that there are many things outside the realm of our control.Finding our balance is lifelong work. If we were perfectly balanced all the time, that wouldn't be much fun, would it? We wouldn't appreciate the times when we find balance because there would be nothing to compare it to, no growth, just a stagnant, too-easy, status-quo balance.Here are some wonderful ways to cultivate more balance and wellness into our daily lives:1) When you wake up every day, repeat this Shantideva verse three times (Pema Chodron swears by it):

Just as all the Buddhas of the pastEmbraced the awakened attitude of mind,And in the precepts of the bodhisattvasStep by step abode and trained,Just so, and for the benefit of beings,I will also have this attitude of mind,And in those precepts, step by step,I will abide and train myself.

Bodhisattvas are human beings who strive to benefit all beings (including themselves) and choose to stay in the human realm helping inspire everyone to achieve enlightenment. The precepts include a long list of things to avoid (killing, stealing, etc.), the Buddhist version of the ten commandments. What it all boils down to is cultivating openness, honesty, compassion, loving kindness and equanimity. 2) Be in touch with reality. Remember the simple truths of life: everything changes; be kind and grateful as much as possible; eat things and consume ideas that are wholesome, nourishing, and in alignment with nature.3) Be in touch with your breath, taking time each day for some yoga and meditation practice, and always cultivating loving relationships with self, family, friends and ultimately all beings and things.4) Choose to slow down, shed toxicity and be patient. Awareness of how our minds and bodies and hearts work is the first step. Acceptance is the next. And, simultaneously, striving to improve, to be more disciplined yet more spontaneous, more natural and open. I know it’s paradoxical to be content with how things are in this moment and to set goals and achieve them. Life is full of paradox!

5) Release the delusion of “I, me, mine.” Buddhist teacher Joseph Goldstein says, “Nothing whatsoever is to be clung to as me or mine.” This isn’t easy, since it happens all the time, multiple times per minute. My daughter. My bed. My house. My body. My happiness. Instead, watch life as it unfolds and remember that “I” am nothing but a collection of ever changing molecules in human form who has been given this day to live, breathe, love and make mistakes.

Thanks for reading! May this article be of benefit. Please pass it along to someone who could use it, if so inspired!