One area of balance which is challenging to consider is that of tensions. Sometimes we have to balance different competing ideas, preferences or realities to find our way through them. I am busy but I need to work. I need a holiday but can I afford it? It’s good to exercise but I’m tired.
There is no right or wrong answer in these situations of balance but often the key is to be aware of yourself and your own motivations, emotions and thoughts when tensions arise. Check out this original poem by Ben Harper which explores the theme some more.
Balance Poem
Too salty? Too Sweet?
Too light? Too dark?
Too loud? Too quiet?
Two things that need careful balance.
Too hard? Too soft?
Too subtle? Too overpowering?
Too much? Too little?
Two things that need careful balance.
It’s art, and it’s science
It’s skill, and its’ talent
It’s experience, and beginner’s luck
It’s trial and error, and it’s just dropping on it the first time.
Big changes, little tweaks, intentional and accidental
Balance is to be found in all of these ways
They call it a ‘balancing act’; a performance to perfect
That needs all of our attention, yet demands we inhabit it so well that we hardly know we’re doing it
The pulling in opposite directions, creates a push towards a mid point
The up competes with the down,
The high complements the low
Seek, and you will find
Lose and you will gain
Work hard for it, and you will rest
Rest well, and you will stumble upon the perfect blend of the wonderfully contrasting, ever conflicted, never ending possibilities.
Balance.
Try this …
Read the poem a few times and reflect.
What stands out to you the most from this poem?
What tensions do you hear, see and feel?
What does balance mean for you?