Balance. Balance is something that I often find myself thinking about, talking about. Sometimes I have conversations where the phrase, 'dude, it's just all about the balance' pops up with an annoying frequency. But what the hell is balance, and how does one go about achieving this elusive state of being?
Well. Lately I've been likening balance to sasquatch. Maybe this is because I now live in the Northwest, where things like this happen, and foundations like this exist. The thing is, some people believe in balance, and some don't. But, sort of like sasquatch and politics, even if you don't believe in balance, it believes in you. Live in denial or mess around with it for too long, and you may find yourself getting lamblasted. (Note, if you haven't already, the word choice of 'lamblast.' Interestingly, this word does not exist in many dictionaries. The "correct" word is 'lambaste.' It is my non-professional opinion that people have began using the word 'lamblast,' because it sounds so much like the definition, and is, in a word, rad. Sort of like onamonapia. But I digress).
Let's say that balance can be roughly defined as 'a state of equilibrium,' as offered up by any number of dictionaries. Let's also say that balance can exist in a number of spheres: the physical, social, and emotional are wide, broad brush-strokes. Biking to the grocery store, conversation with friends at a local pub, and enjoying a warm, sunny day are the details. As it happens, flying over your handlebars into the bed of a parked pickup truck (believe it or not, this actually happened to a friend of mine), getting drunk and hogging all the conversation, and spending that entire sunny day depressed about your life are also distinct possibilities. When you lose your balance, things can go haywire pretty quickly. Ask BP.
The biggest ways that I see the need for balance (mostly when it's not present!) in my own life are in the physical and social realms, although those easily transcend to affect all other aspects of my life. In other words, I need enough time spent being active, and enough rest. I also need enough time to myself, and time spent socially with friends. Invariably, if I don't pay attention to these needs, I end up looking like this guy, if only metaphorically.
So, here's to the ever-elusive, ever-desirable, and only abstractly-definable state of balance. Talk about it, be about it, think about it, but when you do get lamblasted by it, call me, and we'll just laugh about it. Preferably over a pint of beer.
