Maintaining our balance whether we are holding a tree pose in yoga or riding a bicycle requires dynamic engagement.

While the tree pose in yoga may look static, nope, it is actually dynamic as various muscles are engaged. Similarly and more visually obvious is riding a bicycle. We must remain in motion, and a motion that is balanced, so again engaging our motions to align with each other if there are multiple, in this case our two legs pedaling, to remain balanced.

Balance in life involves a similar concept. We may not always look physically in motion, so for example, choosing time to just be, but we are engaged. We are present and consciously and purposefully engaging in an action or activity that nourishes our balance.

In the first episode of the new year, I wanted to focus on this idea of balanced living as inspired by the book The Scandinavian Guide to Happiness: Balanced Living with Fika, Lagos, Hygge, and More by Tim Rayburn, because rather than focusing on adding or improving, why not focus on tweaking and putting more of a priority on savoring. The latter is what will improve the quality of our life in all arenas. So let’s take a look at the list, and be sure to listen to the audio version for detailed conversation about each point.

1. Carve out regular time for something that is uniquely yours

2. Take a partial ‘health day’ every once in a while

3. Be mindful of what you eat and drink

4. Just ‘be’ out in Mother Nature

Appreciate the natural surroundings and become more mindful of them. Even if you can’t be outdoors every day, make the time you can be outdoors a time when you drink in the natural world. Yet another way of investing in quality over quantity. This will bring you better in connection with the world around you, ensuring you are more attuned and thus strengthen your awareness muscle as well as your appreciation muscle. A wonderful benefit of carving out time to be outdoors surrounded by the natural world is your ability to rest in calm will increase.

5. When the work day is done, step into your ‘non’ work day fully

6. Set aside daily time for a conscious break

This is when we put savoring into practice. Slowing down to move away from the desk or the office, and sitting down around a café table or the teacher’s lounge table with a hot drink or a favorite nibble. We sip the tea slowly, we take note of the artistry of the pastry we are enjoying instead of scarfing it down.

7. Be fully in the moment when you take your daily break

8. Turn your daily break into a ritual

A favorite mug, maybe light a candle, select music that will relax you, let the natural light in, or go outside and take your break at a favorite spot.

9. Treasure simple pleasures

10. Regularly take note of all that you are grateful for

11. Keep your entertainment simple – game nights for example

12. Turn savoring into a habit that you exercise every day

May your new year begin with more balance and thus more fulfillment as we continue to move forward but all the while being fully present in the now.

Petit Plaisir

—The Split: Barcelona, BBC

Watch the trailer below: