Balance in Motion

The nudges of influence work in the space created by uncertainty. We know that balance is a big part of wisdom.

Balanced books.  Work life balance. Balanced diet. The exhortations toward balance are many and varied.

But what exactly is balance? The traditional approach seems to be like the balance of the scale; equal parts on both sides so that the arm of the scale is level and stable. This is certainly one approach, but it generally seems to lead to frustration and fatigue because much of what is on the scale – say ‘work’ and ‘life’ – don’t hold still. Achieving ‘balance’ today doesn’t help tomorrow because the needs and opportunities of both work and life are in constant flux. 

The rhythmic flow of seasons – balance in motion from the heat of summer to the cold of winter – is a different approach that can be much more useful. Balance in motion is a different type of balance that works with a world in flux. Life might be out of balance for today but only with a wider frame can we know if it’s out of balance over time. 

Don’t abandon the goal of balance, but take a longer view when considering how to best achieve balance in motion.