BALANCE

In practicing a pose, balancing the body, there are contrasting intentions. Stretching certain muscle groups while relaxing others, aligning positions of joints and angles of limbs, the nuance of internal intention--not too much, not too little... and on top of all that, you must remember to breathe!

As focus is given to any particular aspect, attention recedes from others. Upon realizing, you must return to tend to other aspects which were previously in order. With practice and systematic structure, passive attention is able to more effectively sustain the parts out of focus, but they still tend to drift toward disorder.

This dance is commonly referred to as "the balancing act". It applies to many concentrations and activities and to life in general. Especially as the dynamics of our lives grow more complex and intricate.

BALANCE IS NOT STILL

RATHER, A STEADY FLUCTUATION

I've come to associate balance with this symbol of an intersecting circle and triangle. Asymmetrical, yet balanced.

My interpretation of the symbol shifted over time and experience. Initially, this pattern was visualized during an acid trip while sitting in the dark with closed eyes. The associated sentiment at that time was the distinct pathways of people, which periodically intersect. We each have our own pathways to walk in life, though our paths may align at times. It reminds me to honor my personal journey foremost. I still cherish common alignment as it occurs, but prioritizing inclusion and companionship over my purpose erodes soul.

I’ve since come to realize the essence of this sentiment is that it’s not particularly about walking my own path or having companionship. Both are important. Problems arise when any particular aspect is held too significant or unimportant. Effective balance requires deep, intuitive understanding of how each aspect affects everything else, how to interact with each, how much and when. This applies to countless aspects of life…