The Healing Garden: A Place Of Peace

Gardening For The Soil Gardening For The Soul

Finding Solace In A Changing World

ISBN 0-9733085-0-8

By Gwen Nyhus Stewart

Chapter 5 Living in Balance

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In this chapter:

Ø Time Management and Creating Balance

Ø Reasons for Managing Time

Ø Practical Steps to Time Management and Creating Balance at Home

Ø Practical Steps to Time Management and Creating Balance at Work

Ø Stress Management and Creating Balance

Ø Effects of Stress

Ø Symptoms of Overstress

Ø Overcoming Fear

Ø Practical Steps to Stress Management and Creating Balance

Ø More Tips for Self-care Activities

Ø Remember

Ø Meditation

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." - Janis Joplin

Benjamin Franklin wrote: "If you want to enjoy one of the greatest luxuries in life, the luxury of having enough time, time to rest, time to think things through, time to get things done and know you have done them to the best of your ability, remember, there is only one way. Take enough time to think and plan things in the order of their importance. Your life will take on a new zest, you will add years to your life, and more life to your years. Let all your things have their place." When you read Franklin's words, what do they mean to you? Do you have enough time to balance your personal needs with

your commitment to the outside world? Is stress causing havoc in your life? What exactly

does it mean to have your life in balance and how do you achieve it?

Balance is defined as stability of mind and body; a state of being in balance; and harmony in the parts of a whole. The Chinese art of Feng Shui describes balance as being comprised of Yin and Yang energy. Yin is the calming and peace-giving energy and Yang is the action-oriented dynamic force. Yin energy engages receptivity and allows rest, rejuvenation, healing, dreaming, and acceptance. The fire energy, Yang, makes achievement of dreams a reality and creates success. Feng Shui believes every 'whole' person requires balance in his or her life force energy.

The key to creating 'wholeness' is learning that we must take care of ourselves in order to be able to give what we want to give in our roles as parent, spouse, employee, etc. When we do not take care of ourselves, we end up either sick and/or feeling burned out, as our bodies and mind will make us take the time if we will not do it for ourselves. Emotional and physical

health requires taking responsibility for our own well-being.

This is the beginning of the fifth chapter of the book The Healing Garden: A Place Of

Peace by Gwen Nyhus Stewart. There's lots more information online, but if you've read this

much, you'll undoubtedly find the book of great value!