Finding Your Middle Ground is about finding your center of being and living life in loving balance.
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” ~ Buddha
When we take time to pause and concentrate on the present moment, we open a door to our natural state of being – accepting, loving, peaceful, kind and happy. Most of us are so busy, distracted and moving so fast that we get caught up in the world of “doing” and lose touch with a sense of “being”and who we are.
The gateway to find your middle ground takes you to a calm and loving center that is there for every one of us.
In this place, we are able to let go of judgments and how things should be, or comparing ourselves to others. We recognize that our thoughts are not the truth. We trust our intuition and have more clarity about ourselves and what is important. We become more focused and creative. We allow ourselves to open up to what is in this moment. We connect with our authentic being and life energy. We begin to find contentment no matter what occurs in the highs and lows of life. We are in the flow of life.
How Do we Get There?
The first step is all about self awareness and discovery – really getting to know yourself.
Often we think of ourselves in terms of the roles we have in this life – in our families as parent, sister or spouse, or at work as an employee or professional, or in communities as a neighbor or volunteer etc. We’re so bound up with others that we miss getting to understand ourselves. We think we know ourselves, but we often only see ourselves in relation to other people.
Ask yourself, “Who am I …without my family, my partner, my career ?”
Take time to get to know your authentic self and become aware of your natural talents, core beliefs, values, needs, passions, triggers and fears! Much of what you will discover has come from those around you … yet there is so much more that is uniquely you.
When you start to explore who you are, and see all aspects of yourself, you can become authentic in the world. No longer trying to live up to others’ expectations or playing a role. Your mask can be set aside and you become free to let your true nature shine through.
You become more grounded and confident, courageous and compassionate. This is the place where an awakening of spirit takes place and a realization that we are all part of something greater than ourselves.
In my experience there are 2 ways to approach this journey:
Mindfulness Practice
The first way to self discovery and awakening comes from becoming present in each moment. Really noticing what is going on and being an observer. This can come from yoga and the practice of mindfulness.
Noticing without judgment what is going on in your mind and your body, and acknowledging it, iis incredibly powerful. I recall times on my yoga mat, when my left hip flexor tightens for no apparent reason. In the beginning I wanted the discomfort to go away and so I worked to stretch it out even more. Taking it to its limits in order to bring it into my idea of what it should be. Of course, I came across more resistance and more contraction instead. When I realized it needed some tender loving care and I backed off, the pain dissipated. Connecting to our body’s wisdom is a powerful mindfulness practice.
When we evolve our inner witness we see and feel more clearly. We can choose to respond more skillfully and appropriately. One of the most important lessons in yoga is letting go of needing to control and accepting the way our bodies are….. and not to trust our thinking as being the truth.
Getting Curious
The second way to self discovery is by taking a coach approach and getting curious. Start to ask yourself and answer these questions:
~ What are the best moments of my week?
~ What brings me happiness and joy?
~ What do I do at an excellent level?
~ What am I afraid of?
~ What beliefs, values and needs are important to me?
(Tip – Notice what makes you angry, because it is usually a belief or value that has been transgressed or an unmet need)
What do I want that I don’t have?
…. What else comes to mind about who you are and what you want?
In this place of questions and discovery, you may find it hard to access this inner part of yourself, or lots of judgments come up……. and that’s okay. It shows that there is room to grow into your true self!
This is just the beginning.
I truly enjoy connecting with those of you beginning this journey. Please reach out to me privately if you are looking for a guide and supporter:
This is great!
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Thanks Julie!
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Thanks for this perspective. I think I am now up to the “curious” stage. 🙂
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Congratulations Elizabeth! It really is the fun part of the journey. Keep your mind and heart open 🙂
Let me know if I can help along the way. xo
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This is a truly beautiful blog in so many ways. I’m truly enjoying your writing, very honest and inspirational. I look forward to reading more!! 🙂
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Thank you Christinarose’
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Coming back from a walk that I took I stumbled upon your page and I saw all the thoughts I had during my walk written here on your page! Coincidence or confirmation!:)) Thank you anyway!
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I love how that happens! Thank you for sharing this special connection Iri ❤️
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So pleased we have met up via Sue Dreamwalker.
I like your post and the way you offer help to others. _/\_
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Thank you Jack! I’m looking forward to more connections and smiles along the way 🙂
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Very motivating article. Thanks God I stumbled here. There is so much to learn here.
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I am grateful that you arrived here too Indira. I hope you enjoy the reflections and insights. xo
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Nice blog, inspiring words and beautiful photos!
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Thank you Elizabeth for your kind words. Its so nice to connect!
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Better late than never, the saying goes. I’ve just come upon your blog through Joan Z Rough’s blog. So glad to find a kindred spirit.
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It’s a pleasure to have you here Janet! I look forward to connecting more ☺️
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I love this! I look forward to reading more. Thank you, Aleya 🙂
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Thank you Aleya 💛 So lovely to see you here !
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Very nice 🙂
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Thank you Vertige 💛
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Great words I wisdom. It wasn’t until my life was turned upside down and inside out, that I discovered mindfulness and began my journey of being present and enjoying the now, and finding the true me
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Like so many of us… we come to it when we face real challenges. Thank you for sharing here 💛
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You have a way of writing that speaks directly to the reader. It’s wonderful 🙂
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Thank you.
I had you in mind 💕
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Like Janet Givens, I’ve come to your blog via Joan Rough’s blog, both mutual friends I’ve met face to face. We book lovers have strong bonds. Today my blog features a review of Louisa Adams’ biography, an English-American First Lady. I see you were born in Scotland. How wonderful to have the perspective of two cultures.
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Beautiful reminder to stay in the present moment!
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This is a great post Val and so relevant for me right now. I do tend to revisit the past more than I should, so this is a timely reminder for me to focus on the present. Thank you.
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Thank you Val…I need to remind myself that humanness is a state of Being, not a state of Doing, and this post takes me there!
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Thank you Amanda 💛🙏💛
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Very nice article, Val. I resonate with every thought of yours… Thank you and God Bless!!
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The Mindfulness practice is extremely powerful. Thich Nhat Hanh is especially great, when it comes to Zen tachings. I follow his works closely. Thanks for this piece
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When it comes to spirit, there are many paths. We must each find our own. Thank you 🙏💛
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True, As Sri Ramakrishna Parahamasa says “Jato mat, Tato Pat”; as many realizations, that many paths…
Thanks
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