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5 WAYS WE’RE FINDING BALANCE THIS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Let’s talk about finding balance. According to Google, the definition of balance is “a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions”. Okay, that’s a good start to our understanding. But how do we apply a concept rooted in precision to our physical and emotional selves? What are the elements to be equalized to find peak wellness? And even if we could identify these elements (or needs) exactly, what the heck are the correct proportions?
Answer: There is no answer. (Well, sort of). Which needs we decide to prioritize and how we balance those needs are different for each one of us. Someone may need a full social calendar peppered with mindful moments of solitude to feel balanced. Another may prefer a full weekend alone and a couple get-togethers a month. Maybe you’re balancing six needs. Maybe two. Most important thing? You do you.
We went around the office and asked people to dish on how they’re finding balance this weekend. Here’s what we heard:
TRYING SOMETHING NEW
“I make a new veggie dish every year that is really tasty and healthy, and even trying to convince my parents to follow suit (it’s working!). Last year I made sweet potato and black bean tamales and this year I’m planning to make a caramelized onion butternut squash roast with chestnuts. Oh, and we always go for a walk with the dogs to the local baseball park before we sit down for our Thanksgiving dinner.”
Ryan Brown, Software Engineer
FINDING MY QUIET AND CALM
“I’ll be balancing out my holiday wine and pie intake by setting time aside for a few sweet sessions with the sweet sound of Andy Puddicombe’s voice bringing me closer to my breath and inner calmness. Headspace usually puts me…in a good headspace 🙂
Tayler Worrell, Social Media Manager
QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY AND THE BARRE3 COMMUNITY 🧡
“I don’t deprive myself the chance of indulging in good food and drinks on Thanksgiving. However, I do make a point to move every day. I’ll be teaching barre3 and connecting with our amazing PDX community on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, and Saturday I have a hike planned with my family. I definitely plan to turn on my email vacation responder and disconnect from technology so I can be fully present with the people I am most thankful for.”
Katie Kimbrell, Director of New Studios
READ ALL. THE. BOOKS.
“I love reading, and over the holiday, I round up 3-4 books, find the comfiest chair at my boyfriend’s family home, and proceed to indulge (with breaks for pie-making and pie-eating, of course). There’s nothing better than taking the time to curl up and get cozy with my favorite reads.”
Isabelle Eyman, Social Media and Content Coordinator
SETTLING IN WITH FOOD AND FAMILY
“We’re a food family. My mom loves to cook and we all go into serious turkey and stuffing overload on Thanksgiving. There are always seconds involved. After the meal, we like to take a long walk with the pups to enjoy the crisp air as the food settles.”
Julie Brosy, Studio Marketing Manager
PENCILING IN TIME FOR CREATIVE RELEASE
“During our days off for T-day, I try to fit in a small, personal creative project that I’ve been thinking about but haven’t made time for. It can be as simple as sketching, but I still find it’s a helpful way for me to decompress during the busy holiday season and reflect on the past year.”
Jaclyn Hudak, Digital Art Director
How are you finding balance this weekend? Be sure to let us know in the comments below—and then go and be present with whoever, or whatever, keeps you in equilibrium.
Let’s talk about finding balance. According to Google, the definition of balance is “a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions”. Okay, that’s a good start to our understanding. But how do we apply a concept rooted in precision to our physical and emotional selves? What are the elements to be equalized to find peak wellness? And even if we could identify these elements (or needs) exactly, what the heck are the correct proportions?
Answer: There is no answer. (Well, sort of). Which needs we decide to prioritize and how we balance those needs are different for each one of us. Someone may need a full social calendar peppered with mindful moments of solitude to feel balanced. Another may prefer a full weekend alone and a couple get-togethers a month. Maybe you’re balancing six needs. Maybe two. Most important thing? You do you.
We went around the office and asked people to dish on how they’re finding balance this weekend. Here’s what we heard:
TRYING SOMETHING NEW
“I make a new veggie dish every year that is really tasty and healthy, and even trying to convince my parents to follow suit (it’s working!). Last year I made sweet potato and black bean tamales and this year I’m planning to make a caramelized onion butternut squash roast with chestnuts. Oh, and we always go for a walk with the dogs to the local baseball park before we sit down for our Thanksgiving dinner.”
Ryan Brown, Software Engineer
FINDING MY QUIET AND CALM
“I’ll be balancing out my holiday wine and pie intake by setting time aside for a few sweet sessions with the sweet sound of Andy Puddicombe’s voice bringing me closer to my breath and inner calmness. Headspace usually puts me…in a good headspace 🙂
Tayler Worrell, Social Media Manager
QUALITY TIME WITH FAMILY AND THE BARRE3 COMMUNITY 🧡
“I don’t deprive myself the chance of indulging in good food and drinks on Thanksgiving. However, I do make a point to move every day. I’ll be teaching barre3 and connecting with our amazing PDX community on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, and Saturday I have a hike planned with my family. I definitely plan to turn on my email vacation responder and disconnect from technology so I can be fully present with the people I am most thankful for.”
Katie Kimbrell, Director of New Studios
READ ALL. THE. BOOKS.
“I love reading, and over the holiday, I round up 3-4 books, find the comfiest chair at my boyfriend’s family home, and proceed to indulge (with breaks for pie-making and pie-eating, of course). There’s nothing better than taking the time to curl up and get cozy with my favorite reads.”
Isabelle Eyman, Social Media and Content Coordinator
SETTLING IN WITH FOOD AND FAMILY
“We’re a food family. My mom loves to cook and we all go into serious turkey and stuffing overload on Thanksgiving. There are always seconds involved. After the meal, we like to take a long walk with the pups to enjoy the crisp air as the food settles.”
Julie Brosy, Studio Marketing Manager
PENCILING IN TIME FOR CREATIVE RELEASE
“During our days off for T-day, I try to fit in a small, personal creative project that I’ve been thinking about but haven’t made time for. It can be as simple as sketching, but I still find it’s a helpful way for me to decompress during the busy holiday season and reflect on the past year.”
Jaclyn Hudak, Digital Art Director
How are you finding balance this weekend? Be sure to let us know in the comments below—and then go and be present with whoever, or whatever, keeps you in equilibrium.
