If you’ve ever attempted to walk on a balance beam, or even just stand for more than a few seconds on one foot, you might have noticed what your body has to do in order to keep you from falling over. Unless you’re experienced in these types of exercises, you’ll probably feel a bit wobbly. Those wobbles come from your body engaging in a series of corrective movements as your brain and muscles figure out how to keep you from falling over. The more you practice, the less wobbly you’ll become; your muscles and mind will become more efficient at figuring out the proper amount of corrective movement to apply. The most masterful of us can make balancing look effortless, maybe even seeming to be completely still, but even then, the body is engaged in the effort--it’s just gotten better and more efficient.

I think about this a lot when I think about trying to achieve balance in my life. Especially now, as a parent, I’m finding how easy it is for what was once a peaceful, mindful, and organized existence to be upended in the smallest ways. I desperately want to be that Zen mom who can be completely present for her child, teach, stay fit and cook healthy meals, enjoy hobbies, and never get frustrated or overwhelmed. Is that too much to ask?

Of course, all it takes is a baby to wail for more than a minute for all my self-perceived cool to fly out the window and panic, irritability, and frustration to set in. I find myself despairing sometimes, berating myself for getting so frustrated or anxious when my idealized self would be as cool as a cucumber. I practice mindfulness, I prioritize exercise and nutrition...so why is this still so flipping hard?

For me, much of the frustration stems from the misplaced belief that “balance” is a state that, once achieved, can be effortlessly maintained in perpetuity. Deep down, I’ve been holding onto the belief that balance and calm are a place you can “arrive” at and live in. But just as in walking on a tightrope, the truth is that holding your life in balance requires constant effort. Luckily, the more you do it, the more easy and seamless it becomes.

Change, even when it’s expected and welcome, almost always throws us off at first. Babies will cry. Your job will be stressful. You will struggle to find time to do it all. That’s okay. The important thing is to keep practicing how to find your center. We know that intentional reps lead to progress.

As in training, so in life. Keep practicing.


See you out there. #developyourself

-Joy

@cfnobo

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05242020 - WOD

For quality

• 100’ forward walking lunge

• :10 Captain Morgan (right side/left knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (right side/right knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (left side/right knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (left side/left knee)

• :10 reverse plank

• 10 bodyweight get-ups(ea)

• :10 Captain Morgan (right side/left knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (right side/right knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (left side/right knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (left side/left knee)

• :10 reverse plank

• 100’ reverse walking lunge

• :10 Captain Morgan (right side/left knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (right side/right knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (left side/right knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (left side/left knee)

• :10 reverse plank

• 10 bodyweight get-ups(ea)

• :10 Captain Morgan (right side/left knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (right side/right knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (left side/right knee)

• :10 Captain Morgan (left side/left knee)

• :10 reverse plank

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