With new subscribers and followers coming on board, I think it is time for a refresher of Harmonious Balance and it’s premise. My very first two posts here on Substack are a bit more expansive with the theoretical framework of energy management. I certainly encourage everyone to read up on the fundamentals. Today’s piece explains what Harmonious Balance is all about from the vantage point of what we get wrong about the idea of balance.
For the past 10-15 years or so, I have consistently heard, as it pertains to work-life balance, that balance is not achievable. That it is a myth. So the idea of work-life balance gets reiterated as work-life harmony or work-life integration. Neither of which really seem to have had any staying power in our lexicon. Work-life balance remains the champ even if only as an aspiration.
Well the vision for Harmonious Balance is to bump off work-life balance becoming the most practical and achievable wellness approach. And the first step in fulfilling this vision is reframing what balance actually is.
Balance is defined as a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.
Most of us view balance in this way. There must be an equal distribution of time and effort given in order for all aspects of our lives to be in balance. And because there are too many aspects of our lives, with very limited time, it is simply impossible to achieve balance. Now far be it from me to dispute an official dictionary definition. To be fair, our literal interpretation of the word is not wrong. Technically it is very correct. So what are we getting wrong?
While it may not be technically wrong, we are blinded by the idea of equal distribution. That the scales of life are planted on level ground to allow for equal distribution. We probably all agree that life does not come at us in a level way. That’s why many have concluded that balance is not achievable. But it is achievable, because balance is not simply about equal distribution. It’s about stability. Sometimes equal distribution brings about that stability. Most times in life it does not. But stability is very much attainable.
For example if you are standing on an incline, you are not likely standing with your weight evenly distributed. The incline is not level. Even distribution will pose a challenge, especially with steeper inclines. Instead you will probably shift to a lunge position or lean forward for stability, for balance. If you tried to stand with your weight evenly distributed on a steep incline, you will likely be thrown off-balance. But you won’t be thrown off balance if you shift your stance for stability. An even better example is surfing. There is absolutely nothing level about waves. Yet skilled surfers know how to position their bodies and the board for stability to ride the waves.
Balance is not a reactionary posture. Balance is a proactive measure. In essence we are imposing balance on and bringing stability to otherwise chaotic circumstances. We are imposing balance by effectively managing our energy not solely our time. Our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy that is. Yes proper energy management produces the harmony we seek in our lives. Balance in » Harmony Out.
So what does proper physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy management look like? A more detailed explanation of energy management is provided in the article I cited earlier. A condensed version is illustrated in the graphic below.
What I love about this approach is the practical guidance it offers. We’re not left out here flailing about trying to figure it all out on our own. Of course, the state of Harmonious Balance is not a static position. Stabilization is an dynamic proposition. But now that we know what stabilization looks like, we can accelerate to balance upon realizing when we are off-balance.
Many of us already unknowingly ascribe to the concept of energy management at some level intuitively, but did not have the language to describe it. But now that there is language, now that there is a framework, we can intentionally pursue Harmonious Balance. We can proactively design our best lives.
Some of that design may include stretch targets. Some of the design may remain aspirational and that’s OK. Harmonious Balance is indeed a journey. The good news is that our best lives are not wholly left up to chance. Our best lives do not have to be swallowed up by unstable and chaotic conditions. The best news of all is that the impact of pursuing Harmonious Balance does not end with each of us individually!
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I’ll close sharing some personal fun related to stability and balance. I was in my third year of college the very first time I went ice skating. It sounded like a good idea at the time. But when I donned those skates and stepped on to that FRICTIONLESS surface standing on narrow blades, I thought I had lost my mind!! At that point, I had already endured my multiple injuries and my first (of several to come) corrective knee surgery. My friends and I were all so scared that we stayed on the perimeter of the rink, clinging to the wall!
As we neared the end of our time, one friend boldly proclaimed that she was going to make it across this rink before our time ran out. I looked at her like she was crazy. But she pushed off and so did the rest of the group. I couldn’t be left there on the wall by myself. So I pushed off and to my surprise, it was much easier than clinging to the wall! Though I couldn’t explain it at the time, my body was strong enough to stabilize itself. After that experience, I didn’t become some ice skating enthusiast. It was over 10 years before I would skate on ice again. But I wasn’t afraid when I did it! I was bolder even after having endured more injuries and a second knee surgery, ACL reconstruction.
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More recently in my fitness journey, now having endured a total of FOUR lower limb surgeries and multiple injuries, I set out to get in better shape. I subscribed to the Garage Strength channel on YouTube for unique fitness and mobility insights. When I saw a video to improve foot and ankle mobility, I thought there was absolutely no way I could do that! But curious indignance got the best of me. I became to determined and set out to train myself on how to do PVC pipe walks. It took me a few weeks but I was eventually able to walk the length of my closet. It’s been a couple of years since I diligently practiced but today, I can still step on it and stabilize myself. Watch the video below!!
Onward to stability and Harmonious Balance, my friends!
Johanna
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