The Art of Balance

Mind, Body and Soul

Balance is often spoken about as if it’s something we’re expected to just find, like a misplaced set of keys.

But let’s be real, balance is neither a destination nor a static achievement. It’s an ongoing struggle, a daily negotiation between what we give and what we keep for ourselves.

For those of us trying to keep it together, I salute you. Because in truth, anyone who commits to aligning mind, body, and soul knows it takes everything we’ve got.

In this article:

Mind, body and Soul
Living with Stress
Therapy an Invitation to Self Discovery
Chasing Growth, not Perfection
Reflections: From Pain to Perspective
The Body: Honouring Our Physical Selves
The Mind: Cultivating Inner Calm
The Soul: A Quiet Connection to the World
Bringing It All Together: The Art of Balance
The Ongoing Journey: A Question of Self-Care
FAQs - The Art of Balance

Living with Stress

Stress doesn’t come with fanfare, it settles quietly, weaving itself into the fibres of our lives. For years, I lived with stress as if it were a familiar shadow, always there, always waiting. Each year, I’d scrape through another 365 days, only to find myself back where I started, carrying that same weight.

It’s a peculiar truth, we’re all fighting battles others cannot see. There’s a common bond in that struggle, yet it feels so deeply personal. For me, the turning point came when I stopped seeing stress as an enemy and started looking at it as a teacher. What did I need to learn? What was I avoiding?

Therapy: An Invitation to Self Discovery

Therapy gave me permission to explore these questions. It’s easy to think of therapy as an indulgence or even as a failure to handle life. But in reality, therapy is like opening a window in a stuffy room, letting in fresh air and perspective.

My therapist offered a space for me to unearth parts of myself I’d buried beneath years of “just coping.” One of her suggestions was to keep a journal, a practice that initially felt trivial. Why write it down?

Here’s the truth, seeing your thoughts laid bare on a page forces you to confront them, to recognise patterns, to understand yourself. Each entry was like meeting a new layer of myself, and in those pages, I found clarity.

Chasing Growth, Not Perfection

We’re all guilty of holding an idealised image of who we should be. But perfection is a hollow pursuit, a mirage that recedes the closer we get. I once saw Reggie Yates on Steven Bartlet’s Diary of a CEO. , and his words were grounding.

He wasn’t seeking perfection, he said, only growth, to become a better version of himself, no more, no less. That struck me, because in a world that glorifies unblemished lives, striving for authenticity feels rebellious. And that’s the goal, isn’t it? To be real, to be flawed, and to be at peace with the journey.

Reflections: From Pain to Perspective

Reflecting on my old journals, I see a timeline of transformation, a journey from fragmented pieces to a cohesive whole. What I once considered mundane has become a testament to growth.

There was a time when even a small act, like lighting a wax melt and sitting in silence, felt indulgent. But now, I recognise it as essential, a quiet ritual to ground me, to remind me that balance isn’t found, it’s created, day by day.

Routine may seem uninspiring, but here’s the secret. A steady rhythm creates freedom it frees us from the noise, from that endless hamster wheel of decision making.

A regular schedule, waking at the same time, eating mindfully, even lighting that wax melt to settle the senses anchors us. These small, intentional habits build a framework for resilience.

The world constantly pulls us in countless directions, creating stability within ourselves is revolutionary.

Imagine reclaiming just a few moments of calm each day, moments that remind us who we are, what we value, and where we’re going.

The Body: Honouring Our Physical Selves

Balance starts with the body, and yet, how easily we overlook it. When we’re stressed, we sacrifice our physical selves to the demands of the day. I did the same, ignoring what I ate, neglecting exercise, and feeling the weight of guilt settle into my bones.

But something shifted when I began nourishing myself with purpose. Fresh food, movement, rest, these weren’t just activities; they were acts of love.

It’s a fundamental truth, how we treat our bodies is a reflection of our self-worth. And when we choose to care, we create a foundation strong enough to support our mental and spiritual well-being.

The Mind: Cultivating Inner Calm

The mind is a landscape, and like any landscape, it needs tending. Thoughts, fears, hopes all run riot unless we nurture peace within.

Each morning, I create that calm with intention sometimes with quiet meditation, sometimes simply by breathing in the soothing scent of a wax melt.

It may seem small, but this act quiets the noise, creating space to listen to what lies beneath. In those moments, I find a sense of perspective that allows me to rise above the daily chaos, if only for a few minutes.

The Soul: A Quiet Connection to the World

There is a part of each of us that is unseen yet deeply felt. A part that needs more than food, rest, and order. The soul, our essence, craves meaning. It finds joy in simple pleasures: a walk in nature, a moment of gratitude, a feeling of connection.

Tending to the soul is not a grand gesture it’s creating a special moment that reminds us of our place in the world. Lighting a candle or a wax melt in a quiet room, feel the gentle warmth and inhale a comforting scent, is a ritual that reconnects us to something greater. It's like a soft reminder that we’re part of the world and worthy of peace.

Bringing It All Together: The Art of Balance

When mind, body, and soul align, we experience a kind of harmony that’s both grounding and liberating. This balance is an act of self respect, a conscious decision to honour our needs and protect our well-being.

It’s not a box to tick but a lifestyle to cultivate, and it requires intention. Surrounding ourselves with people who uplift us, creating an environment that feels nurturing, and making space for stillness all play a role.

Balance isn’t a destination we arrive at once, it’s a dance we practice daily. It’s the quiet commitment to check in with ourselves and adjust as needed. And in those moments when we slip, we begin again with compassion.

The Ongoing Journey: A Question of Self-Care

Life is a journey of highs and lows, an ebb and flow of energy, challenges, and growth. To live well, we must ask ourselves hard questions:

1. Am I treating my body with care?

2. Am I nurturing my mind with clarity and calm?

3. Am I feeding my soul with purpose?
   

Each of these questions is an invitation to reset, to reaffirm our commitment to balance. And yes, there will be times when we falter, when we feel stretched beyond our limits. But each attempt to realign, each small act of care, like lighting a wax melt to create a moment of calm brings us closer to that elusive harmony.

Balance is not perfection; it’s progress, a journey of self-respect that enriches our lives, even in the smallest of ways. This is the journey, one that transforms, one that heals. And in honouring it, we honour ourselves.

Frequently asked questions

How can I create a relaxing sanctuary at home amidst a busy life?

Creating a calming space at home can be transformative, especially with life’s daily demands.

Wax melts, with their soothing scents, provide an easy way to bring a sense of calm and tranquillity into your environment.

Lighting one as part of your evening routine can help you unwind, reconnect, and find peace, showing that even small touches can make a big difference in how you feel.

How can one cultivate balance in life?

One can cultivate balance in life by establishing routines, setting clear priorities, and ensuring time is allocated for both personal well being and responsibilities.

Creating space for relaxation, relationships, and reflection helps to maintain harmony across all areas of life.

How can a woman lead a balanced life?

A woman can lead a balanced life by setting clear priorities, practising self care, and creating boundaries that protect her time and energy.

Embracing routines that nurture physical, mental, and emotional well being helps maintain harmony amidst varied responsibilities.

What are the four foundational pillars of a balanced life?

The four foundational pillars of a balanced life are physical health, mental well being, emotional resilience, and spiritual fulfilment.

Together, they provide a holistic approach to nurturing the body, mind, heart, and spirit, creating harmony and fulfilment in everyday life.

How can one demonstrate balance in life?

One can demonstrate balance in life by prioritising self care, setting healthy boundaries, and nurturing the mind, body, and soul.

Consistently aligning daily actions with personal values and needs fosters harmony and steadiness amidst life’s demands.

What simple rituals can I incorporate to manage stress and find balance?

Establishing small, mindful rituals can be powerful in helping you feel grounded. Wax melts can enhance these rituals by filling your space with calming fragrances, like Jasmine for relaxation or Sanctuary Spa for focus.

Adding these scents to your meditation, journaling, or self-reflection routines can elevate the experience, creating a comforting atmosphere that encourages balance and self care.

About Cayla

Our story begins in lockdown, in the era of solitude and isolation.

As the world slowed down and people sought comfort in the sanctuary of their homes, the concept of Cayla Henri's wax melts were born.