One Woman’s Way towards Balance
There are many ideas as to what it means to live life well. To me, doing so this past year meant achieving balance, finding a way to exist in an equilibrium that allows for self-expression and enables growth. The COVID pandemic brought this need to the forefront when the established patterns I used to adhere to were disrupted. To survive with equanimity. it became necessary to reorganize my brain. My friends tell me of similar experiences, though each is different. Today I share my journey with the hope that you will respond by saying something about yours.
My balancing act started with a desire to maintain my health. Searching for scientific information and following CDC recommended guidelines provided the best path to travel, given that the illness was poorly understood. Paying attention to virologists seemed wiser than listening to voodoo magicians spouting untested solutions. Unfortunately, early CDC recommendations led to confusion that affected public trust and caused negative consequences. Still, the information that followed the science was better than the alternatives.
To counterbalance so much uncertainty, I was driven to maintain some control over my days and did so by starting each one with an exercise routine I varied. Some were aerobic to increase lung capacity and heart strength while others, like pilates and yoga, were focused on building core strength, balance, and meditative breathing. I watched neighbors mask up and join friends on walks, but that was not my custom.
On strolls outside, I preferred being alone so I could observe what I passed more deeply with the aid of a camera. I photographed the flora and fauna through their seasonal growth cycle, studied doorways, walkways, walls, and windows, studying how they were made, positioned, and painted, and maintained. These images along with unusual shadows cast by buildings and bridges provided fodder for paintings made later in my studio. Most of all, I thought.
In my search for balance, I was challenged to exercise my brain. My walks were both meditative and intellectually stimulating. Thoughts often led me back to the computer to seek answers to questions raised during the outing. To adapt to change, I thought it necessary to stay abreast of generational and environmental deviations, economic impacts, and political and racial divides. Maintaining a weekly blog, helped me understand what was happening close to home. But writing had another benefit that helped me maintain balance. Writing is a solitary activity shuffling words and thoughts until they can be put on a page with clarity. To have something to write about, however, writers have to experience the world—study human nature and experience community.
As a species human beings are communal. I started my blog as a way of reaching out to my family to share things that mattered to me. Over time, my reach spread out to friends and acquaintances interested in similar topics. The books I wrote since retiring in 2014, had a different purpose. Lives of Museum Junkies was meant to inspire readers to consider the way children are taught and Over The Peanut Fence was written to explain the plight of homeless and runaway youth to motivate the public to help them. My latest endeavor, in the final editing stage, is Antheia in the Thorns. It is an environmental action story of good and evil and is meant to make readers show the oil and gas industry through a new lens. The process of writing, sharing, and receiving feedback is a balancing act of its own.
Though isolated when writing, the interviews I conduct while doing research, and the talks I give after publication develop community. They reach a literary audience that responds with questions and comments that keep me energized. The literary community, however, is primarily built in the eyes of strangers. To maintain balance in community, it is important to stay connected to family and friends.
Zoom, Skype, and other technologies offer opportunities for distant connections. Becoming a grandmother to children in a local immigrant family helped me cope when unable to see distant relatives. The masked children and I got together weekly for art, dance, and science projects. In good weather, we went to playgrounds, kicked around soccer balls, and blew giant bubbles. They are fun to be with and bring love into my life. Since being vaccinated, we can hug each other and read books while sitting in closer proximity.
A common complaint I’ve heard this year is how awful it is not to be touched. I am fortunate to have a wonderful partner to cuddle—one who massages my feet each evening. I know of people who formed hugging partnerships with a friend they felt safe to hold for a short moment of warmth. A great many people satisfied the need by acquiring a pet, a warm body to stroke and provide companionship while sequestered—important for maintaining balance.
Living within my means, was not a problem for me as it has been for many who lost jobs. The challenge of maintaining shelter and food when let go took a tragic toll. It is impossible to have a balanced life if one aspect of life is so heavily weighted. It is a luxury to have the means to with which to cope with comfort during a pandemic. I wanted to help others achieve a similar balance, But, though my donations to the food bank increased significantly, and as a lay minister I counseled a few struggling people, I felt bad not being able to do more. I admire the health professionals and social workers on the front lines.
The pandemic provided an opportunity to learn about myself and the coping mechanisms I use to maintain balance. I imagine most of you have been similarly impacted. It would be wonderful if you would take a moment and share your experience with our readers.
I look forward to your comments below.
Art is always for sale. Surf’s Up is a 48″ by 36″ acrylic painting on canvas. $699. To purchase contact me at marilynne@eichingerfineart.com