Life is like a symphony with complex elements coming together to create a beautiful and complex whole.  Some passages convey tranquility and calmness while others create feelings of excitement, intensity, and anticipation.  Beautiful harmonies can be woven into a soothing melody that is warm and inviting or it can be created with an abrupt and chaotic rhythm with dissonant notes which make us grimace. So it is with life.

To me, harmony in life is a state of internal balance and peace.  We achieve it when we unify the different aspects of our lives together in a way that the various parts support our wholeness.  I believe that when we live life in a way that is not aligned with our values and our deepest desires, we experience disharmony and inner conflict that results in feelings of frustration, resentment, and dissatisfaction.  Even those that are adept at staying centered, grounded, joyful, and aligned can experience a disruption that causes a ‘wobble’ in their energetic field.

Even in the most beautiful symphony, a wrong note can be played, an instrument may require tuning or a beat can be missed.  That’s music.  And that’s life.  A harmonious life does not mean there is an absence of conflict or challenges.  Rather, it is our ability to honor and manage them in a constructive and positive way.

Sometimes, as a friend of mine says, we just have to “embrace the suck.’  Because sometimes, well, life can get pretty sucky.  These are the moments that teach us valuable lessons that we may not have learned otherwise.  They also gift us with the opportunity to experience the full range of emotions that life and our humanness has to offer.  Simply put, we wouldn’t know bliss without sorrow or joy without sadness.

So how can we retain harmony in our lives even in the most challenging times?

1. Practice self-compassion: When things get tough, be kind to yourself. We aren’t perfect and life isn’t perfect. Many things are outside of our control, but you can take a deep breath and treat yourself with kindness, understanding and acceptance.  It’s okay to recognize your own suffering and respond to it with empathy and care, just as you would do for a loved one.
2. Connect with others: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, especially during challenging times. Having a supportive circle of friends or a professional mentor can help you maintain perspective and navigate difficult situations.
3. Cultivate gratitude: Even during challenging times, there are always things to be grateful for. Remind yourself about all that is good in your life.
4. Set healthy boundaries: Say no to things that drain your energy and create more time and space for the things that matter most to you, especially in difficult times.
5. Practice mindfulness: Deep breathing or meditation has a calming effect.
6. Connect with nature: Spending time outside in nature has been proven to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve cognitive function so take a walk, dig in the dirt, or sit under a tree. Listen to the birds sing, feel the sun on your skin, and the Earth beneath your feet.
7. Seek professional help if you need it, especially if you get stuck: There is no shame in working through challenging times with a professional that can help you develop coping strategies.
8. Practice forgiveness: This can be an arduous task, but it is essential for maintaining harmony and moving on from difficult situations.  Forgiveness is not the same as forgetting, condoning or excusing a situation.  It simply means that you are choosing to let go of anger and resentment, which doesn’t serve your emotional well-being.
9. Embrace imperfection: Letting go of unrealistic expectations and accepting and loving ourselves, including our flaws and imperfections, frees up our energy to prioritize what truly matters to us.
10. Embrace change: The only thing constant in life is change so you may as well be adaptable and flexible. Instead of resisting change, try to embrace it and see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Staying in harmony during life’s challenges requires intentional effort and self-awareness. The suggestions I provided can help you navigate trying times with grace and resilience.  Remember that harmony doesn’t mean that everything in life will be perfect or that nothing ever goes wrong.  It means that even when things are challenging, you can stay centered, grounded, and rooted in your own inner strength and faith that there will be a better tomorrow.

Are the different aspects of your life woven together in such a way that the various parts support your wholeness?
If not and you would like guidance on creating harmony in your life, apply for the Elevate Your Life?™ program.