What does it take to develop real spiritual balance in our lives? It takes focus, spiritual exercises and a deepening relationship with God.
Jobs, friendships, family, responsibilities, goals and dreams all seem to be fighting for the coveted position of first on our list of priorities. Yet, as important as these things are, none of them should be our No. 1 focus. With so much to juggle in the whirlwind we call life, what is our focus and how can we find balance?
The advice of a dance teacher
As a college student interested in the field of dance, my days can feel like a chaotic jumble of things that need to get done. Prioritizing can be a challenge at times.
Several months back, during an interview with a teacher from technique class, I was told that I needed to work on balance in my dancing. It was a critique I needed to hear. However, I was left with the question: How does one find balance?
Balancing while executing movement is not easy, but it is a fundamental aspect of any genre of dance. Reflecting on the insight from my teacher’s and my own experiences as a dancer, I have learned that balance can only come from one source: the engagement of the dancer’s center or core.
Spiritual balance in our lives can, likewise, only come from one center—our relationship with God.
Conquering instability
Balance is something that comes with time and experience. Learning to balance takes effort! Infants must learn to crawl before they can walk. Learning to balance may mean we stumble occasionally. However, we have a Creator who is willing to hold our hand to support us as we walk—and dance—the narrow path.
“For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13).
Our dreams, our center?
Finding our center is not a new challenge. King Solomon struggled with discovering what his main focus should be as he attempted to find happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:4-10). He would eventually come to realize that physical pursuits cannot be our center and are only “meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:11, New International Version).
As a dancer, I have been given the instruction to engage and use power from my core. However, it is easy to become lax and forget. When we lose our proper focus and allow cares of the world to become our priorities, it is like trying to dance without a balanced center. This is likely to lead to instability and create a dangerous atmosphere in which the athlete is prone to injury.
The spiritual dancer’s workout
A dancer must keep in shape through daily exercise. Likewise, a spiritual dancer needs to keep in shape through continual practice of the spiritual exercises:
Prayer.
Bible study.
Meditation.
Fasting.
Though they may seem like basic concepts, we are continually reminded that these elements are the only way to create a stronger spiritual center that is focused on God. Through prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting, our relationship with God can be strengthened.
Becoming a better spiritual dancer
A dancer, like any athlete, must continually practice in order to improve. Strengthening your core means repetition! However, even as crunches may be difficult, the end result is a stronger center. Encouragingly, the difficulty will decrease as your core becomes stronger. Working on it will become easier.
A relationship with God isn’t easy; it requires the hard work and dedication of an athlete! The time spent building a solid center includes reflecting on the journey and acknowledging strengths and weaknesses. As a spiritual dancer, it means setting aside enough time to work on our relationship with God.
Balanced lives
We have so many things that are deemed important in our lives. However, everything else is insignificant compared to our ultimate focus: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, emphasis added).
It is only by finding our center in God that we can find balance in the dance of life, as we seek God’s Kingdom. May we each continue training to be worthy, fit spiritual athletes of our incredible Creator.
