the balance of life

Balance.

What do you think of when you hear the word? A gymnast? A scale? A cheque book?

We've all heard the saying "live a balanced life. Eat a balanced diet." But what does that mean?

I was thinking the other day about life. The universe. And how everything is created with balance. The moon is exactly x-amount of miles from the Earth; if it were an inch closer it would create tides so big the oceans would swallow the land. The Earth spins at exactly the right speed to keep us grounded. The rain falls and the sun shines and crops grow. The cold winter comes and then the warmth of summer graces the earth and flowers return. The universe is aware of this balance. It maintains it.

Our bodies are much the same. If you are physically off balanced, your body tells you instantly. If you close your eyes and try to stand on one foot, the minute you are off balanced you will feel yourself begin to fall.

If we are created to live balanced physically then I would argue we are also created to live mentally and spirtually balanced as well.

We are created for a balanced life.

So why is it that when we are emotionally off-balanced, it can take months or even years before we realize that something is not right?

Perhaps because a "balanced life" mentally, for each of us, looks very different. As humans, black white old young, we all know when we are physically unbalanced - there's no difference between us. 

But what does being emotionally balanced look like? For some, to maintain balance is to stay active and constantly around the companionship of others, with only a small dose of alone time every week.

For the next person, it's being alone in the outdoors surrounded by nature, with an outing every so often with friends. It is important for us as humans to understand our emotional balance, and also to recognize that with time, it changes.

I'm really into Self-awareness and personal discovery and have realized this key factor. To feel balanced, is to recognize and accept the stage of life where you are at and to understand your limits and necessities and then pursue the path that fulfills them.

I went through a phase where I had to be out with people every single night. To sit alone at home was just torture. But then after a few years and life experiences, I realized that I much preferred to stay at home and be in my own little world. Of course too much of either side isn't healthy, but alas, we must discover the secret to the scales - what will balance, and what will tip it to one side or the other?

I really believe the key to successful and healthy relationships begins with a deep awareness of Self.

I've been feeling cooped up and anti-social this week so to balance my mental scale, I'm off to the theatre tonight to watch a chick flick and eat popcorn. :D

Tchau meus amigos...