I noticed a few weeks ago that one of the tires on our car looked a little flat. I stopped at the gas station to put air into it. The tire was not inflating no matter how much air was flowing into it. After a visit to the tire store, it turned out to be a bad valve on the tire.
The car manual states that inflating car tires with the correct amount of air is essential for maximizing gas mileage and ensuring even tire wear. So the same goes for maintaining the balance of spirit, mind and body. If we sustain a constant relationship with our spiritual practice (meditation, journaling, prayer, spiritual mentoring, etc) we are able to retain a peaceful mind and ease in our daily activities.
Do you ever have one of those days when it feels like you’re moving through cement trying to get something done? That’s a good indication of being out of spiritual balance. Our once peaceful experience leaks out and the body feels deflated, lacks energy and getting anything accomplished feels like mission impossible. Stress builds in the body and doubt creeps into the mind.
Doubt can show up like a bad valve in our thinking. No matter how many positive affirmations, prayers or good thoughts we have in the moment, doubt is a slow leak that can leave us drained, diminished and discouraged. Tire pressure is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. Spiritual balance can be measured in DDP or daily dedicated practice. As we maintain our practice we leave little room for doubt or uncertainty to take hold.
The flat tire reminded me that while traveling the often rough, bumpy road of life that it is important to take the time to maintain spiritual balance. It can boost our faith and keep the wheels of life moving with ease and grace.