Finding Harmony Between Effort and Ease
Two weeks ago, I had the honor of hosting a Dharma and Yoga retreat with my dear friend and yogi, Dana Schachter. Our theme was The Middle Path: Finding Harmony Between Effort and Ease. In an era of political tension, rapid technological change, and heightened uncertainty, those in caring professions, like education, feel the instability of our world. This makes it even more essential to explore balance—how to navigate between effort and ease.
Finding Balance: Teaching is a deeply human endeavor. Balance is not about perfection, fixing the education system, or finding a failsafe formula. Instead, it starts with identifying what fosters well-being—comfort, wholeness, steadiness. Then, it’s about returning to that state when we feel off course. Finally, balance requires self-compassion, replacing judgment with kindness when we struggle.
What Does Balance Mean to You? The experience of well-being is personal. Some educators describe it as work-life balance, others as wholeness, peace, inspiration, joy, or feeling grounded.
Balance isn’t black and white; it’s the harmony of grey. Grey may not be vibrant, but it embodies the calm of a foggy morning, the stillness of snowfall, or the relief of clouds on a hot day. Each carries ease and sensory delight.
How would you describe the sensation of well-being? Can you associate it with a color or bodily feeling?
Exploring Effort: Balance isn’t static; it requires ongoing awareness. Consider a situation where you are exerting effort. How does it manifest? Does it bring inspiration, align with your values, or create momentum? Does it foster connection, creativity, and innovation? Or has the pendulum swung too far, leading to fatigue, burnout, or resentment?
Exploring Ease: Now, explore ease. How might you invite more ease into the same scenario? Can you take breaks, set boundaries, or seek support? Could you infuse your work with play or joy? Notice how your body responds as you navigate effort and ease. Do you feel disengaged, lethargic, or uninspired? Or do you feel relaxed yet motivated, connected, and fulfilled? Where do you find your balance?
Returning to Center: Each of us has signs that we’re off balance. What restores you? More time with friends? Solitude? A creative project—or letting go of one? Your inner wisdom holds the answer. If we’re caught in busyness or fear, we must pause and reflect. Quieting the mind, being honest with ourselves, and listening to our bodies help us recalibrate.
How Do You Treat Yourself in Struggle? Some struggles are beyond our control, while others are within our power to change. Struggle is part of being human. How we respond to it makes a difference. Shame, blame, and self-judgment add unnecessary pain. Turning toward ourselves with compassion fosters resilience and agency.
Try this simple Self-Compassion Break, adapted from Kristin Neff:
Mindfulness: Acknowledge your struggle.
This is hard. This is painful. This is a moment of suffering.
Common Humanity: Recognize that you are not alone.
We all experience struggle. We all make mistakes. This is part of life.
Self-Kindness: Offer yourself the same care you would a friend.
I see that this is hard. I care. I believe in you. You’ll get through this.
By cultivating this awareness, we strengthen our ability to move between effort and ease with grace and resilience.