Balance and Health, The Fundamentals - Part 1: Models of Balance

Welcome to our Balance and Health series in which we’ll explore the fundamentals for living a balanced life. Before we define holistic health and share tips for well-being, let’s first explore different models of balance, applicable to many experiences in life.

Let’s begin with familiar basics. Balance means to position something so that it doesn’t fall. We engage our strength, vitality, and agility to seek balance, in the literal sense, to remain upright against the force of gravity; but balance, as it relates to health and quality of life, is more than just opposing gravity. 

Balance is also defined as the action to keep or put something in a steady position. To maintain physical health, we seek to steady hunger, thirst, body temperature, heart rate, blood sugar levels. We seek balance in emotional and mental perceptions to steady our stress-level responses, to experience greater ease and joy.

Further in the pursuit of healthy body, mind, and spirit, we can define balance as the action to offset or compare value. It’s as an even distribution of weight, in which elements are equal or in correct proportion. Simplified like an equation, we might think that balance means, “this” equals or counterbalances, “that.” An action or change in one component influences the state of the other.

This model of counterbalance highlights the notion of polarities. By simplifying components into opposites or duality, we can describe or label our physical, mental, and emotional experiences, such as hot/cold; light/dark joy and sorrow. With expanded awareness, we learn to identify varying shades between polarities. Within the black-and-white notion of duality, lives the element of the other. Life, balance, and health are experienced within the full range of potentialities.

If we think of life as check points on a map, the static push pin acts as a marker of awareness in present time. Awareness is the starting point, helping to identify current conditions; “Where am I? What am I experiencing?” We can then ponder, “Is this a desired condition? What action will redirect me towards health and fulfilment?”

As we broaden perspective, we recognize that conditions in life, balance and health are fluid and changing. We are constantly navigating various walkways to get from point A to point B. An individual’s journey is unique in place and time, per their perceptions and experiences along the way.

The various paths and experiences are like the colorful spectrum that shines through a prism. One solution doesn’t fit all. What is of balance and health in one case, may not be optimal in another. For example, we might think that to maintain consistent body weight, a person may need to climb one hundred steps to balance out eating cookies; but achieving balance is not based upon absolutes. Cookie calories vary. Stairs have different heights. The cookie-eater could have high or low metabolism.

In other words, the state of balance is not a static point, nor is it based upon fixed action. The state of balance, represented  by the fulcrum shifting, is relative to the variables in condition and environment. What is of balance in one moment may not be optimal the next. Or to put it another way, conditions and regulation of environment need to shift in-order-to achieve and maintain balance.

Think of a cactus that thrives in the sunny, dry desert, as opposed to a fern that requires moisture and shade. Ideal conditions are extremely varied. Optimal health for both plants can only be achieved by proper regulation of water, humidity, soil conditions, sunlight, etc., each unique to the individual plant.

So, we’ve explored how experiences fall within a range between polarities. By using this model of balance, we can identify current conditions, as a starting point in awareness for greater health; but if we get stuck on creating division and separation between elements, we limit understanding and diminish the opportunity to experience life in all that it offers.

Growth and self-awareness develop faster in relationship to one another and to our experiences. As we know, a shadow can only exist in the presence of the light. There cannot be one without the other. The components exist in relation to the other. Every condition we experience is a facet of the wholeness that is life. The puzzle of our own personal journey comes together in unique pieces. In recognizing the moving, shifting components as parts of the whole, we gain awareness for greater balance, health and quality of life.

To better represent this fluid, dynamic state of balance, let’s consider the eastern philosophy symbol of yin-yang. Also known as the Taiji symbol, this model of balance incorporates the holistic elements of interaction and interdependence of all parts involved.

Here we recognize dual forces moving dynamically around and within the other, interacting in variable states of balance.  Yin (shown in black) and Yang (in white), symbolize the two complementary forces that make up all aspects and phenomena of life.  The coexistence and unity of opposites form a whole. The curved line between the two signifies that there is no absolute separation between opposites. Each exists in relationship to and within the other. As one increases, the other decreases.

We will explore more about yin/yang when we delve into the concept of Qi. For now, we encourage you to incorporate a holistic approach to balance. One that recognizes the interaction, interdependence, and fluidity within life. Each day is a new beginning. Ask yourself, “What will benefit my health today?”

When setting sights on balance in health and life, appreciate the dynamic nature of opposites and the range of experiences in between. With growing awareness of conditions, rhythm, relationship, and patterns, you will begin to identify where you are on the spectrum of balance, as it relates to health and quality of life. Utilize familiar self-care tools and remember to reach out for support.

While forging the path for health and balance, we encourage you to engage with us at Everspring Health. We are your community resource, providing evaluation and strategies for foundational health, offering guidance to establish self-care practices, and facilitating high-performance and specific life goals to help you improve quality of life.

Learn more by giving us a call today. Everspring Health. Foundational healthcare for you!