November is BALANCE month here at Satori.

Last week we talked about the relationship between pain and balance.

But balance isn't just a physical notion - there's more to it than that.

This week I'd like to talk about a balanced response to a stimuli, or, as we called it in Restorative Yoga training, "an appropriate response - action."

For those of us living with a sensitized nervous system - whether there's pain or not - a balanced response to a stimuli is the stuff of the fairy tales.

My nervous system activates at the slightest perceived threat - perceived is the key word here, because often the threat exists only in my mind.

My thoughts fly off and disperse faster than a flock of waxwings drunk on late fall chokecherries.

Sleep goes out the door, and often doesn't return until several weeks later - but by that time I, of course, have found something else to react to.

My body tenses in places I am aware of, and not aware of. Pain that ensues reminds me of all of these...

It takes in incredible amount of energy to manage this ball of anxious energy. I imagine trying to rein in a flock of wild horses as they pull me in all directions possible, all at once.

Balanced response?

You've got to be kidding, right?

Yet, it is becoming more and more possible to do just that. Some of that work is physical - recognizing where and how I lock in tension. The majority, however, is mental - and here is where mat practice and mindfulness converge to provide a perfect training ground.