Switchin' to glide
I was just sitting here and thinking about the word balance (in relation to one's life not the type that gymnasts and dancers possess) and and how its meaning is defined by the individual.
I can say that most of us in western, capitalist societies have pondered what determines balance. My pace is not your pace. Some people work 10 hour a day, six days a week. Others claim they need at least eight hours of sleep per night; some individuals require a mid afternoon nap to keep functioning to the best of their abilities (I don't nap and I don't envy anyone who spends their time coccooned in their beds, sleeping like a Who in Whoville while the Grinch robs them blind).
Some people subscribe to the belief that life's too short not to get out and take advantage of all that's available; others caution that people miss out on the little things if they don't slow down once in awhile. And what's more, we live in a society that gives us options - numerous choices - that beckon us. How do we use our time or rather how do we use our time wisely? And what is a wise investment of time? Can it be found in balance? Or does nothing succeed like excess? And what about success--does excess lead to success? Think about people you know and those you don't and how excess and success interplay.
I have to admit I think in our society it can, maybe not as a hard and fast rule because like balance, people define success in different ways and on different levels.
But returning to balance... what is it? and can one achieve it? Before I even begin to describe my views on what balance means to me I must say that balance is not static. It is not something that once achieved can be ignored. One can seek balance but once their life takes on a balanced appearance and manifests itself in a life that has meaning, purpose or happiness. For example, one must live a life that is in alignment with some overarching moral guideposts or religious belief system, such as in the former one may live by the Golden rule whereas in the latter one would turn to the Good book (depending on their religion). I have friends that insist what goes around comes around (same as charma)? My favourite - and I realize I'm straying here - 'I'm basically a nice person.'
Would you have many friends if you said otherwise?
Steven Covey in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People says balance is related to time management. By examining which area we devote our time, and shifting where we invest our time we can accomplish more and enjoy a richer life. I've tried it and I admit it works.
Japan has what it refers to as pillars that represent different areas of your life (health, finances, family, for example) and strives for balance in that manner. And the list could go on.
Is there a universal meaning of balance? And who has the edge? The person that lives hard and fast, constantly on the go? Or is a lower-key, slower-paced lifestyle? A blend of both?
Just some of my thoughts. So to avoid going deeper and getting too analytical, I'll cut it here.
Congrats to the Spurs for winning #3.
I can say that most of us in western, capitalist societies have pondered what determines balance. My pace is not your pace. Some people work 10 hour a day, six days a week. Others claim they need at least eight hours of sleep per night; some individuals require a mid afternoon nap to keep functioning to the best of their abilities (I don't nap and I don't envy anyone who spends their time coccooned in their beds, sleeping like a Who in Whoville while the Grinch robs them blind).
Some people subscribe to the belief that life's too short not to get out and take advantage of all that's available; others caution that people miss out on the little things if they don't slow down once in awhile. And what's more, we live in a society that gives us options - numerous choices - that beckon us. How do we use our time or rather how do we use our time wisely? And what is a wise investment of time? Can it be found in balance? Or does nothing succeed like excess? And what about success--does excess lead to success? Think about people you know and those you don't and how excess and success interplay.
I have to admit I think in our society it can, maybe not as a hard and fast rule because like balance, people define success in different ways and on different levels.
But returning to balance... what is it? and can one achieve it? Before I even begin to describe my views on what balance means to me I must say that balance is not static. It is not something that once achieved can be ignored. One can seek balance but once their life takes on a balanced appearance and manifests itself in a life that has meaning, purpose or happiness. For example, one must live a life that is in alignment with some overarching moral guideposts or religious belief system, such as in the former one may live by the Golden rule whereas in the latter one would turn to the Good book (depending on their religion). I have friends that insist what goes around comes around (same as charma)? My favourite - and I realize I'm straying here - 'I'm basically a nice person.'
Would you have many friends if you said otherwise?
Steven Covey in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People says balance is related to time management. By examining which area we devote our time, and shifting where we invest our time we can accomplish more and enjoy a richer life. I've tried it and I admit it works.
Japan has what it refers to as pillars that represent different areas of your life (health, finances, family, for example) and strives for balance in that manner. And the list could go on.
Is there a universal meaning of balance? And who has the edge? The person that lives hard and fast, constantly on the go? Or is a lower-key, slower-paced lifestyle? A blend of both?
Just some of my thoughts. So to avoid going deeper and getting too analytical, I'll cut it here.
Congrats to the Spurs for winning #3.
posted by strunken wagnall @ 6:22 PM
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