On balance

Being on an even keel is another way of saying that we’re balanced. 

The keel is the part of the boat that is under the water that allows the boat to tip over without capsizing. 

But when we say that someone is on an even keel is sounds a bit like they aren’t affected by what’s going on around them. As if they are a boat on stormy seas that isn’t tipping over at all. This doesn’t seem realistic. 

Sailboats work by tipping over. The keel provides stability and makes it easier to steer the boat. The deeper the keel the more the boat can tip, and the better it can steer.

So rather than being on an even keel, let’s deepen our keels. That way that we can ride the waves as we steer ourselves through life’s ups and downs 

Part of meditation involves resting your attention with something that steadies you. Finding something simple, easy and comfortable that you can hang out with settles the body and mind. 

Now if you close your eyes when you do this, it can look like you’re withdrawing from the world. But the whole point of meditation is to take what you learn out into the world. So, like a boat with a deep keel, you can be steady as you navigate your life. 

Here’s an exercise to deepen your keel…