Navigating life's river: How do you balance between chaos and rigidity to find peace and growth?
Navigating the River of Life: Balancing Chaos and Rigidity
In life, just like paddling down a river, we’re often tasked with navigating between the banks of chaos and rigidity. This analogy, beautifully illustrated in "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, has resonated with me deeply, especially as I embark on a new chapter in my business and personal life.
A New Season of Opportunities
The past weeks have been a whirlwind of opportunities—conferences, expos, consultancy, and workshops both in Australia and overseas. As a solo parent, balancing these professional ventures with household management and parenting is a dance. Although exciting, this new season demands a readjustment of routines and a robust support framework.
The Essence of Greater Balance
Achieving greater balance in life isn't about perfection; it's about noticing and adjusting. Self-awareness develops over time, enabling us to accept when life is a bit out of whack and adjust accordingly. As we enter new chapters, our frameworks may change, requiring us to adapt. Part of growth is making mistakes, learning, and adjusting without frustration. As Albert Einstein famously said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Life is about polarities and an ebb and flow, finding stability between too much structure and not enough.
The Neuroscience of Stress and Calm
A significant part of my work involves supporting individuals, including young children, in understanding the neuroscience of stress. The vagus nerve plays a pivotal role in maintaining a calm nervous system, which is necessary to access what Siegel refers to as the "upstairs brain"—the realm of reasoning, decision-making, and memory.
Personal Reflection: Overwhelm and the Downstairs Brain
While I'm incredibly grateful for the myriad of opportunities, managing them can sometimes place me into the "downstairs brain" response, as described by Siegel. This state hinders our ability to think clearly and make sound decisions.
Tips for Maintaining Balance
Slow Down: Regularly pause to reflect and breathe. Slowing down can prevent stress-induced forgetfulness (anyone else lost their keys lately?).
Build a Support Framework: Establish a system of support, whether through colleagues, family, or networks.
Mindfulness Practices: Engage in activities that calm the nervous system, such as meditation or gentle exercise.
Routine Adjustments: Be open to reshaping routines to better fit new responsibilities without tipping into chaos.
Embrace Growth Opportunities: Allow for flexibility in your plans to accommodate new learning and adaptation.
Thriving in Your River
Navigating the river of life requires balancing chaos and rigidity with grace. Drawing from the insights in The Whole-Brain Child and personal experiences, I continue to strive for this balance, ensuring that life is both dynamic and fulfilling.
