How do those who are deeply passionate about their work balance their lives? I have written a few articles on the topic of balance and could list several ways "to balance your life" but that does not seem to answer the deeper question that is being asked. This question is directed towards those of us that feel a connection with our work that makes it an extension of who we are. This question I suspect is much more complicated than the basics of work/life balance.
I had someone say to me once that part of the root meaning of the word passion is to suffer. I suspect that those people who are truly passionate about what they do can relate to this definition of passion -to be passionate about something is to be consumed and driven by it. Where in this experience is the concept of balance? Passion might compel you to write at 3am in the morning and to work for days without showering, with little sleep, and with barely eating. This is not balance and this is not the work-alcoholism of the typical American that might be remedied by the standard concept of balance.
Anyone who has been passionately connected to his or her work knows that the self is not always maintained in process. The creative element that is a part of visioning and passionate action requires dissolution of the self. This makes it challenging to deeply understand what balance is all about under these circumstances.
However, if we substitute caring for ourselves in place of balance, we get a bit closer to something that might serve those of us who are so intimately connected with our passion. While balance might imply that we spend a certain amount of time doing separate activities, caring for ourselves implies that we are an essential part of our passionate work. If we are not healthy, then our work is not healthy either.
If we are not healthy, then our work is not healthy.
Period and no exceptions.
While the metaphysics of this statement are intriguing, these questions will help us more in the end. How might your approach to work change if you looked at it from this fresh perspective? What would you being willing to settle for in terms of self-care?
When we realize that at the point where we are truly passionate about our work we are no longer separate from it, then we can begin again to include the part of our work that we may have been neglecting ourselves. We recognize that every piece of self-care is a reflection of this same passion that drives us. We receive the gifts of our passion and bring ourselves into passionate balance.
Do you feel that there is more to you than you have yet lived but you don't know how to access it? Or you have such great ideas but never seem to be able to follow through on them? Larger Visions is the key to effectively creating change when it comes to these and other challenges. It's time for you to do what you DREAM of doing with an ally who understands you, standing by your side and offering you essential support and tools. This is what I provide. To receive your free consultation and to get started right away visit: http://www.largervisions.com
Kate Siner Francis Ph.D
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