Amidst projects and deadlines of the chaotic corporate world, how does one keep their center and calm? There are a few people I have met along the way that I feel embody a spiritual vibe without being overly obvious or religious. Jeff Balazs is one of those whom have an aura of peacefulness and kindness that comes naturally.
Jeff has found a balance. He knows where the boundary is for him on how invested he can be successfully so that he has energy and time for activities feeding his soul. Similar to rolling hills meeting the gentle ripples of water, there is a symmetry to his internal landscape.
Recently I spent time with Jeff out at LaDue Reservoir where he often Kayaks during the evening hours after work.
He told me, "there is so much wildlife out here that I get to see when I'm Kayaking, I'm not in a hurry so I can take it in".
I had noticed an eagle flying above, then an osprey and on the way home a fox crossed my path. Certainly Kayaking is a wonderful way to be in Nature.
Familiar with bodies of water in the region, across the country and up into Canada, Jeff has enjoyed the quiet serenity of habitats for years. While with him I got the sense of all he has seen and experienced finding a place of existence within Jeff. He carries those elements almost holographically. Jeff shares many expeditions extending for miles with a close friend who shares the passion and physical stamina.
Jeff is such a Kayaking enthusiast that he hand built his own Kayak. While building it, he put together a book chronicling the process and publishing it afterwards. Certainly both the build and book were meditations especially with wood in hands crafting his dreams. This is not a surface individual but deep thoughtful man that endeavors to not take life for granted. You'll find Jeff gliding along water absorbing vistas you won't see by car. Part gypsy, part adventurer. Definitely living life on his terms, Jeff has his values in an equilibrium that is natural.
about the author: Karen Ollis is an experienced photographer specializing in studio portraiture, and environmental on-location portraits for editorial stories, PR and marketing testimonials.