Intentional Balance
Living with purpose, not pressure
Help us stay focused on what truly matters—balance, connection, and intentional living.
Message from founder
A Message from Sakari J. Artaius
“Finding balance in life isn’t about perfection or rigid rules—it’s about discovering what feels right for you in each moment. For me, this journey began with a desire to reconnect with who I truly am and what really matters: my values, my connection to nature, and my sense of purpose.
I created ‘The Virtuous Viking’ as a space to explore and share that journey. It’s a movement rooted in the belief that we can all live with more clarity and intention, not by chasing extremes, but by finding the balance that works for us.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all path—it’s a shared exploration. My hope is that through the ideas, stories, and the guiding principals here, you’ll feel inspired to create your own version of balance and purpose.
Thank you for being here and for walking this path alongside me.”
– Sakari J. Artaius
(Joshua)
Guiding You Toward Balance • Here to Support Your Journey
community
What Is the Intentional Balance Movement?
The Intentional Balance Movement is a call to live deliberately—aligning your actions, relationships, and aspirations with your core values. It’s about stepping away from the chaos of modern life and rediscovering what truly matters, one mindful step at a time. This is more than a philosophy; it’s a way of being that prioritizes personal growth, connection, and purpose.
Our Core Belief: True balance comes not from perfection, but from aligning your life with intention and values.
Our Vision: To inspire individuals to embrace intentional living, foster meaningful connections, and build a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Our Community: We’re a growing network of people committed to walking this path together, encouraging and uplifting one another on the journey to balance.
Did You Know?
Living intentionally isn’t a new idea—philosophers like Socrates and modern psychologists agree that examining your life leads to greater fulfillment.
Intentional living helps align your daily choices with your values, reducing stress and creating a stronger sense of purpose. It’s ancient wisdom tailored for today’s fast-paced world.
Why the Intentional Balance Movement?
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The Intentional Balance Movement was born from a need to reclaim our lives, to live with purpose, and to build meaningful connections. It’s a response to the chaos and noise, a call to slow down, reflect, and align our actions with our deepest values.
Our Motivation:
Live Authentically: We advocate for living in alignment with your values and aspirations, embracing the journey of self-discovery and growth.
Rediscover Purpose: In a society that often prioritizes productivity over well-being, we believe in slowing down and reflecting on what genuinely brings joy and fulfillment.
Foster Connections: True connections are the bedrock of a meaningful life. By building a community rooted in intentionality, we create spaces where people can support, inspire, and uplift one another.
Personal Transformation: By adopting the principles of intentional living, individuals can experience profound personal growth, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Did You Know?
The concept of balance has been explored for centuries, from ancient philosophies like Confucianism and Stoicism to modern psychology.
Research shows that aligning your actions with your values can significantly increase happiness and reduce stress. Intentional living isn’t just a modern idea—it’s a timeless way to thrive.
community
What’s the Intentional Balance Movement Impact?
✓Collective Well-being
The philosophy of intentional balance extends beyond the individual, inspiring positive contributions to communities and society. By acting with empathy, fairness, and responsibility, we create a ripple effect of harmony and understanding that benefits the collective whole.
✓Personal Transformation
Through intentional balance, we unlock the ability to evolve and grow into our most authentic selves.
By aligning our actions with our core values, we create a pathway to meaningful change, empowering us to live with purpose and integrity.
✓Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Intentional balance nurtures mindfulness, self-awareness, and resilience, helping to reduce stress and foster emotional stability. By avoiding extremes and cultivating presence, we create space for inner peace and a more positive outlook on life.
✓Decision-Making
Intentional balance sharpens decision-making by promoting conscious, value-aligned choices. With clarity and intention, we make thoughtful decisions that bring us closer to our goals and purpose.
✓Stronger Relationships
Intentional balance encourages empathy, healthy boundaries, and compassion, strengthening communication and trust. By balancing personal needs with consideration for others, we build deeper connections and more meaningful relationships.
✓A More Sustainable Lifestyle
Intentional balance inspires mindful consumption and respect for personal and environmental limits.
Help us stay focused on what truly matters—balance, connection, and intentional living.
philosophy
The Philosophy of Intentional Balance
Understanding the Scale:
The philosophy of intentional balance revolves around the concept of a scale, where each principle lies between two extremes. By understanding and navigating these extremes, we can find the virtuous middle ground that aligns with our values and circumstances
Recognizing the Extremes:
Intentional balance involves understanding the spectrum of behaviors and identifying the extremes on either end. By recognizing these extremes, we can find the virtuous middle ground that aligns with our values and circumstances. This approach helps us avoid the pitfalls of excess and deficiency, allowing us to navigate life with greater awareness and intention.
Example 1: Extremes of Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance involves finding a sustainable rhythm that allows for productivity, self-care, and meaningful relationships. It lies between two extremes: workaholism and neglect of responsibilities.
- Description: Workaholism is characterized by an excessive focus on work, often at the expense of personal life, health, and relationships. It involves long hours, high stress, and neglect of self-care and leisure activities.
- Impact: Workaholism can lead to burnout, physical and mental health issues, strained relationships, and a lack of fulfillment outside of work.
- Example: Constantly working late hours, skipping meals, and missing family events to meet work deadlines.
Extreme 2: Neglect of Responsibilities
Example: Frequently taking days off without a valid reason, ignoring deadlines, and spending excessive time on leisure activities at the expense of work.
Description: Neglecting responsibilities involves avoiding or minimizing work commitments to the point of being unproductive and irresponsible. It includes procrastination, lack of discipline, and failure to meet obligations.
Impact: Neglecting responsibilities can result in poor job performance, missed opportunities, financial instability, and a lack of personal growth.
Finding the Middle Ground:
Balanced work-life balance involves understanding the importance of both work and personal life and making intentional choices to ensure both are nurtured. It’s about finding a sustainable rhythm that allows for productivity, self-care, and meaningful relationships.
Practices for Balanced Work-Life Balance:
Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your schedule and priorities as needed to accommodate both work and personal commitments.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, such as dedicated work hours and time for self-care and family.
Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, and relaxation.
Effective Time Management: Use time management techniques to stay organized and focused, allowing for productive work sessions and quality personal time.
Communicate: Communicate with employers, colleagues, and family members to ensure mutual understanding and support for a balanced lifestyle.
Example 2: Extremes of Social Interaction
Intentional balance involves understanding the spectrum of behaviors and identifying the extremes on either end. By recognizing these extremes, we can find the virtuous middle ground that aligns with our values and circumstances. This approach helps us avoid the pitfalls of excess and deficiency, allowing us to navigate life with greater awareness and intention.
Extreme 1: Over-Socializing
- Description: Over-socializing is characterized by an excessive focus on social interactions, often at the expense of personal time and self-care. It involves constant social engagements, large social networks, and a lack of solitude.
- Impact: Over-socializing can lead to burnout, fatigue, shallow relationships, and a lack of time for self-reflection and personal growth.
- Example: Attending social events every night, spending excessive time on social media, and neglecting personal hobbies and downtime.
Extreme 2: Isolation
- Description: Isolation involves avoiding social interactions to the point of being reclusive and disconnected from others. It includes minimal social contact, withdrawal from social activities, and a lack of meaningful relationships.
- Impact: Isolation can result in loneliness, depression, anxiety, and a lack of social support.
- Example: Declining all social invitations, spending most of the time alone, and avoiding communication with friends and family.
Balanced Social Interaction
Balanced social interaction involves understanding the importance of both social engagement and personal time and making intentional choices to ensure both are nurtured. It’s about finding a sustainable rhythm that allows for meaningful connections and self-care.
Practices for Balanced Social Interaction:
Practices for Balanced Social Interaction:
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for social engagements, such as limiting the number of social events per week and scheduling dedicated personal time.
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on building deeper, more meaningful relationships rather than a large number of shallow connections.
- Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities that promote well-being, such as hobbies, relaxation, and self-reflection.
- Communicate Needs: Be open with friends and family about your need for balance, and seek mutual understanding and support.
- Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your social schedule as needed to accommodate both social and personal commitments.
Example 3: Extremes of Consumption
Intentional balance involves understanding the spectrum of behaviors and identifying the extremes on either end. By recognizing these extremes, we can find the virtuous middle ground that aligns with our values and circumstances. This approach helps us avoid the pitfalls of excess and deficiency, allowing us to navigate life with greater awareness and intention.
Extreme 1: Overconsumption
- Description: Overconsumption is characterized by excessive consumption of resources, goods, or food, often beyond one’s needs. It involves materialistic behavior, wastefulness, and a focus on acquiring more.
- Impact: Overconsumption can lead to financial strain, environmental damage, health issues (such as obesity), and a lack of contentment.
- Example: Constantly buying new gadgets or clothes, overeating unhealthy foods, and generating excessive waste.
Extreme 2: Deprivation
- Description: Deprivation involves severely limiting consumption to the point of lacking essential resources, goods, or food. It includes minimalism taken to an extreme, self-denial, and neglecting basic needs.
- Impact: Deprivation can result in malnutrition, poor health, financial instability (if important purchases are avoided), and a lack of enjoyment in life.
- Example: Skipping meals to save money, refusing to buy necessary clothing or household items, and living in overly austere conditions.
Balanced Social Interaction
Balanced consumption involves understanding the importance of mindful consumption and making intentional choices to meet one’s needs without excess. It’s about finding a sustainable approach that promotes well-being, financial stability, and environmental responsibility.
Practices for Balanced Social Interaction:
- Mindful Purchasing: Make thoughtful decisions about what to buy, focusing on quality over quantity and considering the long-term value of purchases.
- Healthy Eating: Adopt a balanced diet that meets nutritional needs without overeating or under-eating. Incorporate a variety of foods and practice portion control.
- Sustainable Living: Reduce waste by reusing, recycling, and choosing eco-friendly products. Be mindful of the environmental impact of consumption habits.
- Budgeting: Create a budget to manage finances effectively, ensuring that spending aligns with needs and values while avoiding unnecessary expenses.
- Self-Care: Take care of personal well-being by ensuring that essential needs are met without excess or deprivation.
Recognizing the extremes in various aspects of life helps us find the balanced middle ground that promotes well-being and fulfillment. Whether it’s work-life balance, social interaction, or other areas, making intentional choices allows us to navigate life’s challenges with greater awareness and intention.
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Applying the Philosophy
To integrate the philosophy of intentional balance into your daily life, consider the following practices. These steps will help you navigate the extremes and find the virtuous middle ground, promoting well-being and fulfillment:
Self-Reflection:
Regularly reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to gain deeper self-awareness.
Mindful Observation:
Observe your interactions with others and your environment to understand external factors.
Conscious Decision-Making:
Make deliberate choices that balance the extremes and align with your values and the context. Regularly reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to gain deeper self-awareness.
The philosophy of intentional balance offers a framework for navigating life’s challenges with greater awareness and intentionality. By recognizing the extremes and finding the virtuous middle ground, you can make conscious choices that align with your values and lead to a more fulfilling life.
Did You Know?
The act of self-reflection activates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for critical thinking and decision-making.
Studies show that pausing to observe your thoughts and interactions can improve emotional intelligence and help you make more intentional choices. It’s not just mindfulness—it’s neuroscience at work, shaping how you understand yourself and the world.
Did You Know?
Aristotle called the virtuous middle ground “the Golden Mean.”
It’s the idea that true virtue lies between two extremes—like courage being the balance between recklessness and cowardly. By recognizing these extremes in our own lives, we can make choices that align with our values while maintaining balance and flexibility. It’s philosophy meets practicality.
philosophy
What Is Virtue?
Virtue, at its essence, is about aligning our actions, values, and intentions to create a life of purpose, balance, and growth. Rooted in the philosophy of Aristotle, virtue represents the traits and habits that allow us to flourish as individuals while contributing to the greater good.
What Virtue Means Here:
Balance: The art of navigating the space between too much and too little.
Growth: A commitment to lifelong learning and becoming the best version of yourself.
Interconnectedness: Recognizing how our actions ripple out to shape our relationships, communities, and the world.
At The Virtuous Viking, virtue isn’t tied to religion or moral absolutes—it’s about embodying qualities that help us live intentionally and authentically. It’s finding the middle ground between extremes, building habits that foster balance, and striving for excellence in all aspects of life.
symbolism
The Virtuous Viking Knot: A Compass for Intentional Balance
The Virtuous Viking Knot represents a way of living—a commitment to intentional balance, respect, and growth. It serves as a compass for those who choose to embark on Virtuous Exploration, guiding them through life’s complexities while embracing its paradoxes and possibilities.
The 6 Principles of
Intentional Balance
In the Intentional Balance Movement, we embrace six guiding principles that pave the way to a life of purpose and fulfillment. These principles are thoughtful reflections that help align your actions with your deepest values. Whether you follow them in order or take your own path, the choice is yours.
01
Self-Awareness
Discover who you are and what truly matters to you. Reflect on your values and identify what balance means in your life.
02
Simplify
Learn to shed the excess—physically, emotionally, and mentally—to create space for what’s essential.
03
Connect with Nature
Rekindle your connection to the natural world with grounding practices, forest bathing, or float meditation.
04
Mindful Design
Shape your space and routines with intention, aligning them with your values and purpose.
05
Community and Collaboration
Engage with others on the same journey. Share wisdom, stories, and support within the movements.
06
Sustain and Adapt
Embrace balance as an evolving process, finding harmony even as life changes..
Did You Know?
The number 6 is often associated with harmony, balance, and nurturing energy.
In ancient numerology, it symbolizes the union of opposites, like the balance between structure and flow. This makes it a fitting foundation for the six principles of Intentional Balance, reflecting a holistic approach to living with intention and purpose.
Did You Know?
Self-awareness is linked to greater emotional intelligence and decision-making skills.
Studies show that practices like mindfulness, journaling, and seeking feedback can activate neural pathways in the brain, strengthening your ability to regulate emotions and navigate life with purpose. Growth is not just personal—it’s also physiological.
guidance
Integrating the Principles:
A Journey Towards Intentional Balance
The journey towards Intentional Balance is a continuous and evolving process. By embracing the principles, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and navigate life with greater intention and purpose.
These principles serve as guiding lights, helping you make conscious choices that align with your values and promote personal growth.
Practical Steps for Integration:
1. Create a Routine:
Establish a daily or weekly routine that incorporates practices related to each principle. This helps you stay consistent and committed to your journey of self-awareness.
Example: Dedicate time each morning for mindful reflection, set aside moments of solitude for self-reflection, and engage in activities that foster curiosity and personal growth.
2. Reflect and Adjust:
Regularly reflect on your progress and experiences. Assess how well you are integrating the principles into your life and make adjustments as needed.
Example: Keep a journal to track your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Reflect on your successes and challenges, and identify areas for improvement.
3. Seek Support:
Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage your journey towards self-awareness. Share your experiences and insights with others, and seek feedback and guidance.
Example: Join a community forum, attend workshops or support groups, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to personal growth.
4. Embrace Lifelong Learning:
View self-awareness as a lifelong journey. Embrace new experiences, continue learning, and stay open to evolving your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Example: Read books, attend seminars, and explore new hobbies and interests that challenge your perspectives and promote growth.
The principles of intentional balance offer a roadmap for navigating life’s challenges with greater awareness and intentionality. By integrating these principles into your daily life, you can cultivate self-awareness, foster personal growth, and create a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. Remember, this journey is unique to you, and every step you take brings you closer to living in alignment with your true self.
Help us stay focused on what truly matters—balance, connection, and intentional living.
Did You Know?
The idea of flexible frameworks is rooted in systems thinking, a discipline that focuses on understanding the interconnectedness of life.
By treating principles as tools rather than rules, you open yourself to adaptability and creativity—qualities that are essential for thriving in an ever-changing world.
philosophy
The Principles as Guides, Not Goals
The six principles—self-awareness, simplify, connect with nature, mindful design, community and collaboration, and sustain and adapt—are not rigid values or rules to adopt. Instead, they serve as guiding frameworks, offering a way to navigate the complexities of modern life and explore what truly matters to you. Their purpose is to inspire reflection and intentionality, empowering you to define your own values and live authentically.
Rather than prescribing what you should believe or how you should live, these principles create space for exploration and self-discovery. They provide a lens through which you can examine your choices, habits, and aspirations, encouraging you to align your actions with the life you want to lead. These principles are an invitation to ask meaningful questions:
What does living intentionally mean to me?
How can I simplify my life to make space for what matters most?
How do I connect with the world around me—people, nature, and my environment?
What kind of future am I working toward, and how do I adapt along the way?
By using these principles as flexible tools, you can uncover what resonates most deeply with you, charting your own unique path to balance, fulfillment, and impact. They are not about following a predefined roadmap but about creating one that is entirely your own.
Did You Know?
The human brain thrives on small, actionable steps.
Breaking big ideas into manageable pieces not only reduces overwhelm but also increases motivation and follow-through. Progress isn’t about rushing—it’s about consistency and intentionality, one step at a time.
Take a Moment
We know this is a lot to absorb!
It takes courage to explore new perspectives and reflect deeply. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, that’s okay. You’re doing amazing, and this journey isn’t a race.
Consider bookmarking this page or saving it to your homepage. Step away, take a moment to reflect on how Intentional Balance could positively shape your life, and return whenever you’re ready. Growth is a process, and every small step matters.
Before you go, why not take a moment to assess your path through Intentional Balance? This quick quiz has just six questions and takes only a few seconds. It’s an opportunity to reflect on where you stand with the six principles and gain insights into your personal journey.
Want to stay connected? Enter your email to receive your personalized results, along with additional resources, updates, and insights into living with Intentional Balance.
Assess Your Path to Intentional Balance
Discover where you stand on your journey towards a balanced, intentional life. Take our quiz to gain insights and personalized recommendations that align with the principles of the Intentional Balance Movement.
Share your results with the community
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Step into a community dedicated to living with intention, purpose, and balance. By becoming a Virtuous Viking, you’ll embark on a journey of personal growth, meaningful connections, and holistic well-being. Together, we support and uplift each other, sharing wisdom and experiences along the way.
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behind the scenes
Why Black and White?
This site is intentionally crafted in black and white. It’s not just a design choice—it’s a visual metaphor for duality, simplicity, and focus.
In a world saturated with color and distractions, black and white strips away the noise. It invites you to pause and reflect. Color holds powerful emotional influence, often shaping how we perceive things subconsciously. By removing it, we place the emphasis back on the emotions, thoughts, and meaning that the context and imagery evoke.
Why Ad-Free?
The absence of advertisements is equally intentional. This site is not a space for distraction but a space for connection—with yourself, with the principles, and with the journey you’re embarking on. It’s about clarity and depth, free from interruptions that pull your focus away from what truly matters.
Here, the design serves the philosophy. It’s not about demanding attention; it’s about inviting intention.
✓ mindful design
✓ Focused Experience
✓ Clear Intentions
Did You Know?
Even when we think we’re making completely independent choices, we’re often being subtly influenced by our surroundings.
Visual cues, like colors or logos, can unconsciously shape our perceptions and decisions. This is called priming—a psychological phenomenon where exposure to one stimulus influences how we respond to another. What’s hidden in plain sight might be guiding us more than we realize.
Message from founder
You’ve Made It This Far….
“Reaching the end of this page—or even taking the Intentional Balance assessment—is more than just scrolling through or clicking buttons. It’s an act of courage, reflection, and commitment to yourself. It shows that you’re open to exploring new perspectives and creating a life rooted in interconnectedness, growth, and balance.
In a world filled with distractions, choosing to pause, reflect, and engage with these ideas is a meaningful achievement in itself. By taking this step, you’ve already begun the journey toward Intentional Balance. Every thought you’ve sparked and every small action you take from here matters.
I want to personally thank you for taking the time to explore this philosophy and consider how it could shape your life. Your willingness to reflect and grow is what makes this movement possible. This is just the beginning, and I’m honored to have you as part of the journey.”
With gratitude,
Sakari J. Artaius
(Joshua)