Finding Balance and Harmony in a Chaotic World

Just this week, I was in the thick of it. I’d been working feverishly, ticking off tasks as fast as I could, and then rushed off to teach meditation—no time to catch my breath. After that, it was errands, all while listening to the news, a constant stream of updates, all the while feeling that underlying pressure to stay ahead. Then, later in the evening, I found myself doomscrolling while half-heartedly watching a Netflix show I actually love, but somehow couldn’t focus on.

That’s when it hits me: "What in the wide world are you doing, Melissa?!"

Sometimes, it takes getting this off-balance for me to notice how far I’ve gone into overdrive. It’s like a dreidel spinning so fast it’s about to topple over—and only once it starts wobbling do I realize how much I’ve let the chaos carry me away.

Sure, I try to catch it earlier sometimes. Sometimes, I’m able to live in a way that avoids the "spin" altogether. But honestly, I’m human. Even with all the meditation, somatic work, and breathwork practices I have in my toolbox, I can still end up ahead of my skis. It happens.

The Need for Balance

The thing is, I’ve learned that the key to finding balance—especially when everything feels chaotic—isn't about doing more. It’s about slowing down and reconnecting with what truly matters.

Jack Kornfield often talks about “taking the one seat.” It’s not just about sitting down physically, but mentally and emotionally, too—finding a space within ourselves to pause and become aware of where we are, amidst all the noise and demands. In this modern, fast-paced world, we often forget how important it is to stop, breathe, and be.

Kornfield's wisdom reflects what many Buddhist teachers have shared about being present. Thich Nhat Hanh, for example, says, "There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way." It’s easy to think we need to chase balance, happiness, or inner peace, but the truth is, it’s always available to us. It’s about coming back to the moment, breathing, and choosing to reconnect with the stillness within.

My Struggle with Balance

I’m far from perfect. I get caught in the rush of life just like anyone else. I often forget that my best tool for staying grounded is not to add more to my already full plate but to take a step back and breathe. The truth is, when I keep running without recalibrating, that’s when I begin to feel burnt out and out of sync.

That’s when I remember: I need to slow down. I need to pause, even for just a few minutes, and reconnect. It might be breathwork, yoga, or a walk in nature—whatever feels right in that moment. The practice of returning to my center doesn’t have to be perfect, but it’s always available. It’s about taking those moments to reset and recalibrate.

Why 75 Minutes Matters

This is why I’ve designed the Balance & Harmony breathwork session. It's not just about taking 75 minutes of your time; it’s about reclaiming that time for yourself.

In just 75 minutes, we’re not just doing breathwork. We’re resetting our nervous systems, letting go of the tension that’s built up in our bodies and minds, and reconnecting with our true center. It’s an opportunity to pause and come back to balance, so we can face the chaos of life with more clarity and peace.

I know it can feel like there’s no time for self-care, especially when we’re running full throttle. But in truth, taking time for these practices regularly—whether it’s breathwork, yoga, hiking, or any activity that grounds and nourishes you—is what keeps us in alignment with what truly matters. These are the tools we can use to avoid the feeling of spinning out of control.

The Truth About Balance

Balance isn’t something we achieve once and for all. It’s a practice. It’s a rhythm, something we cultivate and nurture. Life will always be in motion—things will get chaotic, and we’ll inevitably lose our balance from time to time. But that’s okay. The important thing is that we return to it, again and again.

So if you’re feeling out of sorts, like I was this week, I invite you to take a moment to reconnect. Reclaim your breath, find your seat, and slow down. It’s always available to us, even in the busiest times. And if you feel called, join me for the Balance & Harmony breathwork session. It’s an investment in yourself—your peace, your clarity, and your ability to live from a place of harmony.

We don’t have to wait for life to slow down. We can take that pause ourselves, at any time.