Balance: The Art of Living Well-Part I

                         “Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.”

Balance is sometimes defined as a “state of equilibrium” or “equal or correct proportions.”  We all know when life feels balanced and harmonious and when life feels topsy turvy, stressful and sometimes downright painful. Striving to achieve balance requires awareness, attention, intention and sometimes the ability to say no. Balancing life is finding the “sweet spot,” not too much, not too little, just right. People are continually seeking balance in just about every aspect of life: eating, weight, rest/relaxation, exercising, relationships, emotions, finances, work, leisure, spirituality, politics/policies, the list goes on and on and on. The human body seeks daily balance with is physiological processes, or a state called homeostasis-stable equilibrium. In fact, if homeostasis cannot be maintained within tolerance limits, we are likely to get sick and may even die. So, balance is essential to our mind, body, spirit, social encounters, environment, communities and nations.

Balance is not easy to define, is complex, yet we all intuitively know that it matters for a healthy life. When we attain balance in our lives, our stress is managed, quality of life and sense of well-being improves, all affecting our health positively.  So here are some basics: safety, adequate rest and movement, a nutritious diet, daily movement, a healthy body weight, not smoking and limiting alcohol. Think of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  But attaining balance and living a life that is creative, of purpose and fulfilling, is so much more than the attaining the basics. Part II will cover creative ways to bring balance more mindfully into our lives.