From a single interaction with another fellow human, you can easily determine whether or not this individual is a balanced human being. There are moments you can just look at a person to feel their energy and their inner calmness or inner chaos. I often pose this question to myself – what makes one person so calm and in balance? In the past, I would typically go into an assumption mode where I’d imagine their life to be absolutely perfect, sprinkled with so much luck and goodwill, and then I’d fall into the comparison mode that would drop me into the rabbit hole. From there, I’d conclude that they are lucky to have this balanced life, and I’m not, and I would stay in pity and self-victim mode. I'm sure many of you can relate to this struggle.
Recently, I had an AHA moment where I realized that what I perceive as someone appearing to be balanced is not only subjective, but the so-called state of balance also changes all the time. The state of balance is referred to as “equilibrium.” This word derives from the Latin equilibrium and means ‘an even balance, equal, pair of scales, identical amount, etc.’ This understanding opens up the possibility for all of us to achieve balance, no matter where we are in our journey.
PERCEIVED AS POSITIVE, BUT TRULY NEUTRAL
If you contemplate the meaning of the word “equilibrium”, you will realize that balance is not necessarily a positive state. It’s not a negative state, either. Balance is simply what that means, some kind of middle between the two opposing sides. That being said, the state of balance is not all positive thinking, being lucky, or thriving in the pillar of health. Balance is that midpoint of awareness that the life’s pair of scales can be tilted to the left of to the right. And frankly, that is what life simply is. One day, we feel like we are on top of the world, only to wake up the next day and experience a pitfall.
So what is balance? An interesting article intrigued me as I searched for a definition. The truth is, the state of balance is an subjective topic and it will have different meaning to different people. When it comes to personal balance, Jane Deacon refers to balance as “a result of an unimpeded flow of energy that is expressed through the body, mind, emotions, soul, and spirit.”
Often, when my clients share with me that they desire a sense of balance, they connect the balance to the positive state. And rightfully so. Who wouldn’t want to feel balanced? But where they actually are the moment they desire balance is on the lower position of the pair of scales. Almost always, they ‘mean’ that they want to be in the upper position of the scales, meaning they would rather feel any kind of positive emotion and state. Their words, however, don’t align with their meaning. They say they want balance but mean they want something positive.
Balance is a stepping stone
Balance is the midpoint to get from point A to point B when it comes to all pillars of health: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. In terms of energy, the lower scale represents negative emotions and a negative mindset. Point A may look like even physical pain, coupled with fear as an emotion and accompanied by a mental thought, “I will never feel better.” On the other hand, point B of the positive scale represents all the good stuff: positive emotions and a positive mindset, which may translate to feeling great on the physical level, having a sense of happiness and contentment, connected to mental thought like “I love where I am in my life, things are working out in my favor, I am so grateful.”
By now, you can most likely guess where the place of balance is. It is somewhere between point A (the negative end) and point B (the positive end). We all know that there is more to balance than some location between two points. Balance is something that needs to be worked on. It is a state that is tightly connected to self-development. Let’s elaborate here a little. If I ask you right now where you are when it comes to balance – between two points (A and B), will you be able to answer? Are you somewhere in the middle between the two scales, or are you dominant on one of the ends?
To me, balance is all about having the ability to recognize where I am in relationship to events, people, and circumstances. It is the ability to perceive and react/respond in a way that instills some neutrality, aka balance. It is about what kind of internal dialogue you have with yourself when some stressful situation occurs, which can help you get from a negative state to a more balanced state. It is about how you’re handling someone else’s harsh words toward you. It is about embracing not the greatest circumstances in a way that brings you to that place of neutrality. We all want to get from point A to point B, but we cannot get there without first getting through balance. This self-awareness is a powerful tool in our journey towards balance.
Neuroscience and Psychology of Balance
Research in neuroscience and psychology provides insights into the importance of balance. The brain’s prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and maintaining balance. According to a study by Etkin, Büchel, and Gross (2015), the prefrontal cortex helps in managing emotional responses, leading to better emotional regulation and balance.
Additionally, the concept of emotional balance is supported by research on emotional intelligence (EI). Goleman (1996) describes EI as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others. High EI is associated with better emotional regulation, resilience, and overall balance in life.
Balance as a six-dimensional approach
Balance is being studied and looked at as a six-dimensional approach. Recent article explains that the concept of six dimensions to balance involves integrating multiple facets of wellness to achieve a harmonious and fulfilling life. These dimensions typically include physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and occupational health. Each dimension plays a crucial role in overall well-being, contributing to a balanced and holistic approach to health.
1. Physical Health:
This dimension involves maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest. Physical health practices enhance energy, improve mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Engaging in activities like walking, yoga, or sports, and ensuring a diet rich in nutrients are key aspects.
2. Emotional Health:
Emotional health focuses on understanding, expressing, and managing feelings effectively. It includes developing coping strategies for stress, cultivating positive relationships, and seeking support when needed. Practices such as mindfulness, therapy, and journaling can support emotional well-being.
3. Intellectual Health:
Intellectual health is about stimulating the mind and maintaining an active interest in learning. This can be achieved through reading, solving puzzles, engaging in creative activities, and pursuing educational opportunities. Intellectual health keeps the brain active and engaged, fostering lifelong learning and mental sharpness.
4. Social Health:
Social health emphasizes building and maintaining healthy relationships with others. It involves effective communication, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Engaging in community activities, maintaining close friendships, and developing support networks are essential components of social well-being.
5. Spiritual Health:
Spiritual health involves finding purpose and meaning in life, which can be achieved through various practices like meditation, prayer, or spending time in nature. It also includes aligning with personal values and beliefs, fostering inner peace, and connecting with something greater than oneself.
6. Occupational Health:
Occupational health focuses on finding fulfillment and balance in one’s professional life. It includes pursuing meaningful work, maintaining work-life balance, and setting career goals that align with personal values. Ensuring a positive work environment and managing stress are crucial for occupational well-being.
By actively engaging in practices that nurture each dimension, individuals can create a synergistic effect that enhances their quality of life and promotes long-term wellness.
WHY IS BALANCE IMPORTANT?
Any rational human will agree that having balance in life is absolutely crucial. Sadly, a recent survey from 2021 disclosed that 34% of adults from 122 countries rarely or never feel their lives in balance. General research indicates that having a sense of balance contributes to well-being, mental and physical health, and personal growth. Below are the reasons why finding balance is important. By focusing on these areas, individuals can cultivate a more fulfilling and healthier lifestyle:
Well-Being and Balance
Achieving balance in life leads to greater calm, clarity, and motivation. Those with balance often feel more satisfied with their lives and enjoy long-term happiness.
Mental and Physical Health
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can enhance mental health, reduce stress, and improve physical health, lowering the risk of various health issues.
Personal Growth
Balance allows time for self-care, relaxation, and stress management. It also offers opportunities to explore new interests and hobbies beyond professional or academic commitments.
By focusing on these areas, individuals can cultivate a more fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.
Stay tuned and mark this blog as you will be able to self-assess your personal balance in the next blog issue. You will also receive some tips to find the sense of balance.
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References:
Etkin, A., Büchel, C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). The neural bases of emotion regulation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 16(11), 693-700.
Goleman, D. (1996). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
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