4 ways to find balance in the modern world

For just about everyone in our society today, it is less a question of whether or not we are under stress, and more a discussion about how much stress we are experiencing. A look at these 4 simple, time-tested tools can help you better deal with stress and make positive shifts in your own life.

Reconnect with the Earth

Shamanism by definition is a way to develop a relationship with nature: to go out and experience the wind on your cheeks, to appreciate the beauty and sound of a stream, or to draw in the incredible colors of a sunrise or a sunset. These are ancient tools of transformation that are available to each and every one of us. Even if you live in the middle of a city, the earth is beneath your feet, emanating her power of love. A simple exercise that enables you to shift stress and generate positive thoughts and feelings is to walk slowly outside, and with each step visualize love coming into your body from Mother Earth.

Draw in the light

Another power of nature is light. The sun has light, a candle or fire has light, the stars have light, and we as human beings are made up of that same light. But sometimes the light that is in each cell of our bodies can feel overshadowed by negative emotions like fear, anger or jealousy. If you find yourself feeling like that inner light needs to brighten up a bit, go outside and visualize the light of the sun streaming into your body through the top of your head (at the fontanelle). Sit in front of a candle or fire and breathe that light into your heart. Simple but powerful, these effective tools that come from ancient times will quickly bring a positive focus and a sense of well-being to your soul.

Laughter is medicine

Laughter is medicine for the soul. It relaxes an over-burdensome sense of self-importance or self-responsibility that assumes we need to have everything in order before we can be happy. In fact, often the opposite is true. When we can simply laugh or make a joke about something that is troublesome, we experience a sigh of relief. Then, we can regain health that everything will work out in life.

Move your body

The Manchuarians have a very active lifestyle, walking through the Paektu Mountains to gather firewood, water, and grow their corn. They understand the regenerative effect of walking and are fortunate to have this as a byproduct of their earth-based lifestyle. Many of us lack this simple luxury and suffer from the side effects of a more sedentary lifestyle, especially a reduction in the naturally occurring “feel good” hormones that are released when we move. If your attitude needs a shift, try a simple walk or hike as a way to regain your balance.

Although simple, they can create major shifts in all aspects of your life when practiced regularly. The hard part is simply to do them.

It can be helpful to set a goal. To do one practice each day for a week or a month and then take note of how you feel. Eventually, it will feel strange not to do these simple daily rituals (like forgetting to brush your teeth in the morning).

Good luck!