Since writing this post on finding work/life balance over at Braid I've been giving a lot of thought to balance. Mostly because I don't really actually know what finding balance really means.
Below is an illustration of what I think balance might traditionally look like:
If we can just find ways to distribute our values and desires with reality and circumstances we'll find balance. But if you're anything like me that's not how it works. The real picture looks a little something like this:
I throw my weight into what needs my attention at the time - often tipping the scales and leaving me feeling guilty and crazy for being off-balanced. Sometimes I think the idea of balance itself is making me crazier than being a total hedonist one day and a workaholic the next.
So I've decided to revisit my idea of balance. Rather than redistributing the weight of my choices and what I do laterally I've decided to focus on finding alignment. The thought-form that accompanies this concept is that of walking on a tight rope or riding a bike.
Instead of throwing my weight around from side-to-side, up-and-down, I find my equilibrium by moving forward at a steady pace - arms stretched out wide.
You don't know me. But I follow your posts and I really like this one :) I've been wondering about "balance." This makes total sense to me. Thanks, Kathleen :)
ReplyDelete"Instead of throwing my weight around from side-to-side, up-and-down, I find my equilibrium by moving forward at a steady pace - arms stretched out wide."
ReplyDeleteLove it!
Oh Kathleen, I love this! 'Balance' has been in my thoughts lately. This way of thinking ('alignment') makes me think less about needing to WAIT for the moment where everything falls magically balance, and to instead be HERE enjoying my walk on the rope. Thanks!
ReplyDelete*Laura
Interesting thing to thinking of alignment instead of balance.
ReplyDeleteIn your second figure, would the position of the words change with how much priority you place on them? Or maybe the angle of the left and right sides of the rope would adjust?
Rayz - Im glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteZaida - It's a whole-hearted approach to accepting whatever comes my way - one step at a time.
Laura - YES. Exactly. I suppose it's another way to approach "being present" (which has always been a little complicated for me to wrap my head around).
Vanessa - You know ... I thought of that as I was designing this. I think that the things I place more value on would be closer to - or even on top of - the rope. However, I think the point I was trying to make (even if just to myself) is that some events in life are random. Some I have control over (such as my attitude) some things I have less control over. But regardless of what's happening - if I continue to move forward I'll be productive and aligned. One step at a time.
Those diagrams are awesome. I really like the clarity from the last diagram, and I think it's a great motto - alignment.
ReplyDeleteYes!
ReplyDeleteYou are one bright cookie!
The idea of balance can make you a bit nutty...for me, with a 6 month old and 3 year old, balancing the scales between mom duties and "other" would result in two very unhappy children!!!! It's just not possible!!
I like the way you've shown how some alignment is off balance in different areas of life, a perspective I never thought of. insightful.
ReplyDeleteI like this reconception. Honestly, I've been feeling a bit fractured lately, and maybe the only solution is undoing the duality and moving forward.
ReplyDelete