Curious about Equilibrium: Do You Have It in Your Life? How Important Is It to You? Ways to Achieve It.

Definitions of Equilibrium: Equality of weight or force; A level position; A balancing of the mind between motives or reasons.

“We can be sure that the greatest hope for maintaining equilibrium in the face of any situation rests within ourselves. Persons who are secure with a transcendental system of values and a deep sense of moral duties are possessors of values which no man and no catastrophe can take from them.” - Francis J. Braceland, American psychiatrist

This past week I took part in a conference call with my newly formed Mastermind group. As we were coming to the end of the sharing of ideas, one of the members asked about managing time and balance. Another, who is a personal coach, shared that rather than using the word “balance” with her clients, she prefers the word “equilibrium.” I was so taken with her suggestion, I decided to make it the theme of this week’s blog.

Yes, I do feel that the word and idea of “balance” has been overdone. If we have ever taken part in a discussion and/or workshop on goal setting, we have experienced the wheel with spokes to discover which parts of our lives are out of balance and giving us a bumpy ride.

So, how do you feel about “equilibrium”? Is it a stronger thought for you and your direction? Or are you still pursuing “balance” in all areas?

I have been working with a senior focused Yoga class. We concentrate on our breathing, stretching and holding various Yogic poses. Since my initial instructor training and my teaching of the class, I feel that I have definitely increased my “balance” and “equilibrium.” I am calmer, more relaxed and accepting of the good and the bad that comes my way.

Let’s see what the experts have to say about “equilibrium”:

• “The dimension that counts for the creative person is the space he creates within himself. This inner space is closer to the infinite than the other, and it is the privilege of the balanced mind... and the search for an equilibrium is essential - to be as aware of inner space as he is of outer space.” - Mark Tobey, American artist
• “I am probably exaggerating a little, but I owe my equilibrium to ink and paper.” - Julien Green, American novelist
• “There exists everywhere a medium in things, determined by equilibrium.” - Dmitri Mendeleev, Russian scientist
• “Now equilibrium is the very opposite of disorder.” - Rudolf Arnheim, German artist

Some other thoughts with a twist:

• “If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos.” - E. O. Wilson, American scientist
• “Journey with me to a true commitment to our environment. Journey with me to the serenity of leaving to our children a planet in equilibrium.” - Paul Tsongas, American politician
• “Unless we form the habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness.” - Helen Keller, American author
• “Sanity is the lot of those who are most obtuse, for lucidity destroys one's equilibrium: it is unhealthy to honestly endure the labors of the mind which incessantly contradict what they have just established.” - Georges Bataille, French writer

And, a couple of “heavy” quotations to think about. What meaning do they have for you?

“For this equilibrium now in sight, let us trust that mankind, as it has occurred in the greatest periods of its past, will find for itself a new code of ethics, common to all, made of tolerance, of courage, and of faith in the Spirit of men.” - Albert Claude, Belgian scientist

“All biologic phenomena act to adjust: there are no biologic actions other than adjustments. Adjustment is another name for Equilibrium. Equilibrium is the Universal, or that which has nothing external to derange it.” - Charles Fort, American writer

And, how do you feel about “equilibrium” vs. “balance”? I would love to hear from you. Do have a balanced week in the state of equilibrium.