The Roman god, Ianus or Janus, was the god of doorways, gates, and thresholds. By extension, he was seen as the god of beginnings, endings, and transitions. Is it any wonder the Romans named the first month of the year in his honor?
Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward. It is said that one is looking to the past and one to the future. Others propose that he is also looking inward and outward.
That’s an interesting combination for the god inspiring “January.” It’s also an interesting way to look at balance.
Balance. That challenging aspect we try to have in our lives.
Be like Janus
Could we be more like Janus? Would we do a better job of balancing our day-to-day lives if we kept an eye on our inner selves as well as our “environment?” Could we make better decisions if we thought of our foundations as well as our future?
It’s such a conflict to balance all the demands of our lives as well as the self-care we know we need. Obviously it’s a widespread challenge. Even Henry Ford recognized it when his workers began working 40 hours a week rather than 50 to 100.
Did you know January is “Get a Balanced Life Month?” (It’s also Be On Purpose Month, National Blood Donor Month, Poverty Awareness Month, National Mentoring Month and many others.) The internet is full of lists and suggestions for establishing balance. Prioritization, scheduling, positive attitude, reflection, caring for your physical and mental health, focusing, and sharing your intentions with others are a few valuable ideas.
Visioning
Creating a Vision Board is popular at the start of many transitions: new jobs, new homes, a marriage, a move. It’s also a popular January activity. If you were “visioning” today, what images would you add to your Vision Board to represent balancing your life?
Janus presided over the beginning and ending of conflict, and hence war and peace. Perhaps, January is a great time to end our commitment conflicts and begin adding some peace to our lives. Could that be our vision?
While our “balance” may be a little irregular, the portal is in front of us.
