On the journey back to the source, we continually develop qualities through lessons. When a lesson is not fully understood, we must learn it again.
Likewise, the quality of balance is a quality requiring many lessons before we can feel and live it. Why? Because it connects with peace, abundance, and prosperity. Today, we will discuss BALANCE.
What is balance?
An image from everyday life that may evoke this idea is a set of scales or Libra in the zodiac. Why is justice represented by scales? Because scales represent a win – win state, meaning both sides prevail.
Balance can be understood as a state of equilibrium in which we are truly fulfilled within. Or it is precisely the middle path that the Buddha walked.
The quality of balance can arise from experiencing excess or scarcity. Through experience, you recognize the imbalance within yourself. This is not easy to notice in a rushed life. We think we must have whatever others have. That is another expression of greed. So we keep striving for one thing after another, one goal after another. This does not mean we should live without goals. But our goals should be about comparing ourselves with who we were yesterday, not with others.
Mindful living is not about withdrawing from society, but being fully present in social life. We have bodies to carry out every lesson the soul needs. Thus there is no distinction that makes the body less important than the soul. Balance is equally necessary in every aspect of this lifetime:
Material balance
We often tell each other the goal is to balance work and family life. But is it that easy? Not at all. Our priorities may differ at different times.
When young, we pay little attention to our health because we think we have plenty of it. We stay up late, take on multiple jobs, skip meals, and attend gatherings that last all night.
As we grow a little older, we get promoted and start families, then begin meeting business partners while neglecting meals with our spouse and children. For a woman, holding a senior position may likewise mean less time with her children and no longer cooking for the family.
However, remind yourself: we may lose balance sometimes, but must not create more karmic consequences. Do not neglect ethics for material goals. We are never fulfilled if we do not know contentment. Today you are a millionaire, but many billionaires remain out there. You are a director, but still answer to the board’s chair! It will never be enough until you know enough!
Imbalance arises because we have not truly turned inward. We still crave and judge. If we understand work, finances, and career as lessons leading to wholeness, we learn balance.
Physical balance
Yin – yang in a diet does not exist by chance. Combining yin and yang helps the body remain balanced and healthy.
It is very easy to notice imbalance in the body. When we eat too much, we easily become sleepy and sluggish, and the mind finds it hard to remain clear. When we eat too little relative to the energy we expend, we also become tired, dizzy, and light-headed. Sense your body and establish a diet that is just enough. “Enough” means neither too full nor too hungry, helping us maintain sufficient energy and the clearest possible state of mind.
Mental balance
Mental balance is extremely important. As the mind is, so life becomes. People do not say that without reason. With a steady mind, we know how to balance the physical and material dimensions of life. The mind consists of what we think, so intentions are very important. When we hold an intention, it becomes a pattern of thought, which then forms a “belief.”
If you understand depression, you will know how the mind can affect the body. Entering a depressed state means experiencing a severe emotional imbalance. Everything feels meaningless at that point. This means that negative emotions have become excessively dominant.
As for the “hyperactivity” commonly seen in children, it comes from excessive positive emotions creating surplus energy in the child.
I say this so that you understand, excess – whether negative or positive – is never good.
Therefore, mental balance determines our behavior and attitude toward life.
Why Is Balance Needed?
As we develop balance, we move toward truth, becoming complete in all 360 degrees at the point of balance. We fully release attachments without denying them. You still live in this world, but it no longer “pulls your strings.” You know where you are going, what you need, and what you are doing.
When balanced, we observe objectively and see things as they are. You know who you are. You understand the universe and yourself. From an observing perspective, everything becomes clear and simple, and we see life's nature. Then we fulfilled, whole, and free.
How to testablish a balanced lifestyle ? Please read the next section ^^
