Timing is Everything
Happy Fall Equinox! I’ve always loved this time of year. It’s a time for me to reevaluate what’s been working and what’s not been working in my life. A time to “harvest” what I’ve been growing and putting energy toward over the summer, and prepare for the natural “slow down” energy of winter. A time to invite more balance into our life.
“Equinox” is a combination of the Latin words “Equi” (Equal) and “Nox” (Night). It’s the time of year where the nighttime and the daytime are equal in length. If you’re into astrology at all, this is also the time of year when the sun travels through the constellation of Libra from approximately September 23 to October 22. You might be aware that this sign is represented by the image of a scale. When I look at the scale I am reminded of the concept of balance, of light and dark, of opposites, and of temperance.
So you’ve probably heard that cliché saying that “it’s all about balance.” But what does that really mean? How do you actually achieve more balance in your life?
A Holistic Approach
From a holistic health perspective, I think that this means to make sure that you’re tending to all of the different parts of yourself. You can do this by taking an “inventory” of several different areas of your life and evaluating how things are going. As a holistic practitioner, I look at things through a systemic lens. Our “whole” self is a sum of our parts. Chances are when one part of our life feels “out of whack,” then our whole life can feel out of balance.
To help you with this “inventory” I’ve created a list of some of the main categories you could evaluate and make adjustments as necessary:
| Parts/Categories | Questions to Ask |
|
Mental Health |
Am I taking time to invest in my mental health? What inspires me? Am I bored? Are there difficult things that I’ve been through that are keeping me stuck and unable to move forward? Are my thoughts intrusive? Do I feel challenged enough mentally? |
|
Physical Health |
When is the last time I went to the doctor for a check up? Am I getting enough sleep? Am I eating food that is nutritious? What level of physical activity, movement, and rest does my body need at this time? |
|
Spiritual Health |
Am I living my life with “purpose?” What are my values, morals, and spiritual beliefs, and how can integrate more of them into my everyday life? What kinds of activities help me strengthen my connection to myself and others? |
|
Emotional Health |
Do I have good boundaries with others? Am I taking the time to tune into my own emotions, needs, and wants? If I have an emotion, do I lean into it or do I avoid it? Am I able to give myself what I need? |
Accountability and Connection Are Important
Of course this list is not meant to be all inclusive, and there is a lot of crossover. For example, I wasn’t sure how to categorize something that I was reflecting on for myself : “How do I integrate more fun and play into my life?” I hope that this can be a starting point of creating your own questions for yourself as you explore what might need adjusting in your life to invite more balance for a healthier and happier you!
Something important to note: don’t be afraid to reach out for help and support. Humans are wired for connection, and we’re meant to share resources. I’ve found that when I want to implement changes in my life, having an accountability partner usually helps. Do you have a trusted friend, colleague, family member, therapist, or coach that can help hold you accountable and provide support as you develop new habits?
Counseling in Denver and Online
If you or someone you know needs to support in developing positive change in your life, please feel free to contact me to set up a complimentary consultation to find out if Kristin Vergo Counseling is the right fit for you. I have two offices in the Denver metro area, and also have the ability to meet virtually through online video.