The Sweet Spot

While thinking about my title for this post, the words 'sweet spot' came to mind. Defined as "an area or range that is most effective or beneficial", the image of Goldilocks popped into my head, sampling all three porridges and settling on the one that was just- right.  I was quite amused when I came across the same analogy in a blogpost titled "How to Discover Your Sweet Spot" (Psychology Today).

In the article (referenced at the bottom of this page) Dr Seltzer also states "it's about doing, or not doing, that which in any particular situation is optimal for you. And knowing what's personally "just right" isn't a trait you're born with. Nor is it a matter of intuition.  Such knowledge can only be gained through experience, and carefully analyzing the meaning of your experience".

In this busy life of ours, I think we're often trying to find that 'sweet spot', that place of balance that helps us feel at ease with ourselves and life around us. But it's often elusive because life is always shifting, moving, changing. Life is dynamic, and so are we. Sometimes, we need to ease back on the throttle of life in some way or other, other times we need to ramp it up. And often we don't know we're in balance until we're out of balance. But even though we can't really nail it down,  I think it's a worthwhile exercise to ponder and question our thoughts, and actions. And to just observe what contributes to that feeling of being balanced- or not.  Awareness really is the key in helping to understand this.

Yoga is a perpetual inquiry about ourselves in this way. When we come to the mat, we bring a curiosity and sensitivity to our bodies and our minds. We become increasingly insightful as we continually 'tune in' through the asanas and breath. We test ourselves, finding our 'edge'- noticing what happens when we effort too much, or not enough. And in that practice, I think we also become more skilled at bringing that awareness into our lives on a daily basis, that ultimately helps us to find balance in many ways.

So- finding your 'just right porridge' may take a little time and practice but like Dr Seltzer says "for what ultimately, could be more satisfying- or "sweeter" than perfecting your knowledge of your very own, custom-tailored sweet spot"?

And I say- yoga might just help along the way...

Namaste. _/l\_

*** https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolution-the-self/201202/how-discover-your-sweet-spot