In Balance
Keisha McKenzie
Day 1 of 8: In Balance
A few months ago, I decided to re-read the Bible in 90 days—Genesis to Revelation. I claimed my late grandfather’s leatherbound copy, joined a small group, and cracked it open at Genesis 1. I also picked up an audio version to listen to during my commute, and in just a few days, I was gripped. I got so engrossed in the stories, laws, and letters that I finished reading in two months rather than three.
It was an intense experiment! I want to do it again, and I learned that almost any short-term practice is manageable with a little structure.
Our 90-day reading plan broke down 66 books into short chapter chunks. The reading group checked in by email every couple of days and in person once a week. I took some notes on paper and also used social media to share thoughts and reaction gifs about what I was reading.
When I was done, I took a short break, and then began a different experiment: a 21-day vocal toning and practice from sound healer gina Breedlove. Each morning before launching into the day, I set my phone timer for 20 minutes, focused on one part of my physical and energetic body, and either chanted or meditated silently. Whether I’m reading the Bible, journaling, or sitting for meditation for 15-20 minutes every day, I’ve found that focusing on something other than social media or the news cycle first thing in the morning keeps me anchored in still waters.
My two very different experiments inspired this week-long practice for cultivating groundedness, creative potential, will, love, expression, perception, and connectedness. Each day for the next week, set your own timer for 15-20 minutes so you can reflect on these qualities and focus on one aspect of your being at a time.
Each day will include an imagination prompt and an affirmation.
If you complete this series and find it helpful, consider repeating all seven days once or twice more. Journal as you go. Note when a day’s meditation seems to flow more easily and when the time seems to pass more slowly or with more resistance. If you realize you’re having a new understanding of the daily keyword than you did your first time, consider journaling about that change.
Practices like this are about opening up more space in our daily lives for experiment, effort, and reflection. Give yourself these few minutes each day! You’re worthy of balance.
gina Breedlove is a sound healer and medicine woman whose 21 Day Practice: Your Sacred Presence might just catalyze the next chapter of your life.
Dr. Keisha McKenzie (she/they)