Burnout is easy . . .
Burnout is easy. Balance takes skill.
I know. I’ve been there. Burnt out from a life-sucking corporate job, burnt out from over-achieving, seeking external validation, burnt out from over-giving in relationships where I did not receive. Finally, my pancreas literally burnt out. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2011.
Burnout comes easy. Balance, now that takes skill. I have spent years, learning, practicing and teaching SKILLS to women seeking soulful success (not more stress, burnt out and overwhelm). I teach my clients that meditation is a very accessible place to start building skills that help to bypass burnout and create balance in our lives.
If you are just starting, or recommitting to your meditation practice, remember
Sitting in quietude is a muscle that grows with time. Like running, you wouldn't run a marathon your first day. You can take it step by step, maybe just one minute a day for the first month. Be patient with yourself. A coach once told me, make it too small to fail. Choose something you can EASILY commit to, then grow from there.
Yoga asana was actually created to prepare the body and mind for meditation, so for thousands of years people have released physical energy before they came into quiet reflection. So if your body can't seem to sit still, try meditating after exercise.
Your goal is not to empty your mind, it is merely to OBSERVE your thoughts. So if you are sitting thinking, “Why the hell am I sitting here?” or “I have more important things to do!” then just notice those thoughts, without judgement. Once you acknowledge your thoughts, invite them to go, not forcing them out, but rather, letting them float by, like clouds in the sky.
With practice, we can bring a meditative state (aka peace and balance) to everything we do. So, making the bed, doing the dishes, running, etc., can all be great meditative experiences.
My best advice, meet yourself where you are, give yourself credit for your practice and progress, and, above all, give yourself more love and compassion!