The Dictionary defines it many ways. I picked two definitions:
1) mental and emotional steadiness
2) equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements
Is it possible to be steady mentally and emotionally? Can contrasting, opposing or interacting elements all be equal?
My answer is yes. But, not always or at the same time.
It has been a particular challenge for me to ‘balance’ living with my visions, ideas and enthusiasm for the future and my day-to-day, sometimes very boring existence. When I get inspired I have lots and lots of great feelings and energy to spare. When I’m uninspired, my butt literally drags. Then the whole ‘body in motion’ physics principal kicks in. It seems when I get an idea it leads to another and pretty soon opportunities and inspiration is everywhere and it seems there is not enough time in the day. Then there are the periods of time when the “Ground Hog Day” principal operates and everyday seems the same no matter what I do or try. I exhaust myself when I try to ‘balance’ the crazy times with forced rest and when I twist myself in knots trying to bring on inspiration.
This, I believe is real balance; It is being and playing around in one state followed by a season of the opposite. Play, followed by work, followed by rest. It’s represented by the symbol of infinity (a figure 8 on its side). It is more often than not during a time of play that an inspiration starts in the center. Then there is the work to push the idea up the curve that gets things going, changed, created. At the top of the first circle opportunities open up and things just seem to flow and the ride down to the center is exhilarating and exciting and expanding. Then back in the middle, or the bottom, it is time to rest, to recover to restore. Recovery gets you back up to ‘normal’ on the other side. Once you’re up again you feel settled enough to relax and play while you slide back to the center where another inspiration awaits. And so on, like infinity.
I am learning how to ride the sideways figure 8. It is futile to push and work when it is time to rest. It takes practice to let ideas come instead of doing strange and wonderful rituals thinking I can make them happen. Life comes the way it comes. I have some influence, some control, now some understanding of how to ride the cycle, maybe. Balance? Not so much.