Balance

I finished my Master of Music degree just a few weeks ago. Without surprise, the strive to find balance in my life was an act that took more patience, more flexibility, and much more creativity.  In all reality, some things just had to go for a while with the hopes of  getting back to them again.  Like a best friend that moves away, you can always catch up with over a  quick chat or check in on them through social networks, they are still there but you see them less.  A good friend provides balance to a person's life.  Typically they make you smile, laugh harder, and listen better when you mourn or need an ear.  

Singing is more about balance than any other pursuit.  Often I conclude that when I understand balance in more than just one aspect of my life, my singing life thrives.

But how do we strive for balance in a world that doesn't necessarily support it?

Pedagogically speaking, balance is the word that early treatises use to describe beautiful singing.  "Chiaroscuro," the perfect mix between back space and forward natural resonance, is still used in many studios world wide.

I applaud balance, and challenge every singer I know to find balance.  If you are not a singer, and want to try it, I am sure you won't be disappointed. 

The greatest thing about balance, is that it changes as your life changes.  That is how I obtained my degree. The balancing act changed for a while because the pendulum was weighted with a lot of academia.  Among the list of "things" that were on the back burner: physical activity.

Physical activity is the really good friend that brings perfect balance to my life.  

On Saturday I took the entire family snow shoeing! We were in constant motion for four hours.  But that is just the thing; now, I don't have a paper due, or major research to read, or deadlines.  So what would have normally been a 30 minute run outside with the kids became an all day adventure. (while working on the degree)  Yet that is exactly what balance is all about.  Some call it justifying, I call it the realization that you can't do everything well all the time.  My priority for 2 years was my family and my education.  Everything else was given less focus, but I still managed to squeeze it in.  Soon, I will do less squeezing into my jeans.  :-)  

My husband and I

My son and I talking about the rabbit tracks on the hillside

I ring in 2012 with a new perspective on balance. I look forward to spending more time with that good friend: activity.