Warmest greetings to all of you, dear readers! Blessed New Year 2025!
I am thankful for the blessings of sharing through writing. I am humbled to continue our journey together through this Life Senses column.
As we embark on this new year, I find myself filled with gratitude for each one of you who takes the time to read my humble sharing. In moments of reflection, love, and best wishes stream through my thoughts as I remind myself of the profound connections we share in this vast tapestry of life.
Today, may I humbly invite you to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect with me on a topic that is both timeless and essential: the art of balance.
As we stand on the eighth day of 2025, I can’t help but ponder on what we need to kickstart this year with vigour.
I prepared this article two weeks ago; however, the last two Thursdays were public holidays, and now I feel a shift in the air — a call to align my words with the energy of not only renewal but the newness that comes with this new year.
This moment is a reminder for us to assess our lives and our dreams, and perhaps find ways to recalibrate our paths together.
Writing this reflection on the theme of balance, it strikes me that balance is not merely a state of equilibrium; it is an art — a delicate dance that weaves together various threads of our existence.
In our fast-paced world, where demands often pull us in every direction, it becomes increasingly vital to explore the deeper meaning of balance and how it intertwines with our lives, values, and spirituality.
Today, as we celebrate the second week of New Year 2025 and mark the beautiful opening of this chapter, 2025, I hope this sharing is timely.
Dear readers, imagine standing on a tightrope high above the ground. One misstep could lead to a fall, yet somehow, the acrobat remains poised, elegantly balancing every weight and sway.
This precarious dance invites us to look deeper into this profound question: Can life ever be in balance?
As I have learned through life, the “art of balance” is about more than just maintaining equilibrium; it involves nurturing harmony among the myriad facets of our existence: work, relationships, personal growth, emotional well-being, and spiritual connection.
Anyone who has ever walked on a tightrope understands that balance is not a static position but rather a dynamic, ongoing process. Each moment requires adjustments and recalibrations.
At its core, balance embodies equilibrium — a state where opposing forces are in harmony. Life isn’t just about avoiding extremes; it’s about embracing the chaotic, sometimes contradictory nature of our existence.
Consider the balancing act of prioritizing self-care while attending to the needs of others. It’s about recognizing when to give and hold back, allowing our energy to flow rather than stagnate.
Balance is not simply the absence of conflict; it is the presence of cooperation among our desires, obligations, and passions. When we think of balance in physical terms — like yoga, weightlifting, or dance — it becomes clear that balance requires awareness and intention.
Our lives function in the same way; we must be alert to the ebb and flow of circumstances, empowered to make necessary adjustments, and committed to finding our grounding even when the winds of change threaten to blow us off course.
Life demands balance because extremes can lead to stress, burnout, dissatisfaction, and even depression. The fast-paced world we live in often pushes us towards an all-or-nothing mentality.
We work longer hours, neglect our health, or choose constant social engagements over quiet solitude. We fill our to-do lists at the expense of inner peace, falling victim to the pressure of societal expectations.
In contrast, a balanced life cultivates peace, joy, love, and hope — like a well-tended garden when nurtured appropriately. When we strive for balance, we allow ourselves space to breathe, reflect, and connect more deeply with those around us. The essence of balance is not to achieve perfection. Instead, it is to find joy and meaning amidst the imperfections.
A balanced life enhances our well-being, allowing us to be present in the moment without being overwhelmed. Life without balance resembles a pendulum swinging recklessly, never finding a restful point. Should we seek harmony, we naturally cultivate resilience, enabling us to navigate unpredictable challenges.
Several ancient philosophies and modern wellness practices advocate for the necessity of balance. Buddha once said, “The ‘middle way’ is the path of moderation.”
This beautiful articulation reminds us that balance doesn’t imply stagnation. It is an active engagement in the cycles of life. The ancient Greek philosophers believed in the concept of ‘arete’, the virtue of excellence achieved through balance.
Choosing “the art of balance” as a concluding and opening theme in reflection symbolises the culmination of personal growth. Throughout life’s journey, we encounter peaks of joy intertwined with valleys of sorrow. My pursuit of the ART of BALANCE serves as both a compass and a reflection of values central to my existence — peace, joy, love, faith, and hope.
I am reminded of the powerful notion of A.R.T., which stands for Awareness, Rhythm, and Trust. These three pillars encapsulate the essence of a balanced lifestyle:
Awareness: Cultivating mindfulness about our emotions, schedules, and spiritual needs enables us to recognize when we’re veering off balance. It requires us to pause and evaluate our intentions and actions.
Rhythm: Like music, life is about finding our unique rhythm — the ebb and flow of activity and rest, service and reception. It’s about dancing through each moment with intention and grace.
Trust: Finally, trusting in God’s providence assures us that even amid life’s tumultuous waves, we are never alone. It allows us to accept that life won’t always be perfectly balanced, but we can trust that Divine Love guides us toward effective stewardship of the lives we’ve been given.
In recognising the art of balance, we honour every person — those tirelessly working in busy offices, the stay-at-home parents managing the whirlwind of daily life, the students navigating their academic journeys, and the retirees savouring their well-earned leisure. Balance speaks to us all. No matter the walk of life, we all crave harmony, purpose, and fulfilment.
To explore the art of BALANCE further, let’s break down its acronym:
Be Present: Engaging fully in the moment allows us to experience life in all its glory.
Accept Imperfection: Life’s beauty lies in imperfections. Embrace them as essential parts of your journey.
Live with Intent: Prioritize our values and seek alignment between our actions and beliefs.
Adapt as Needed: Be flexible. Life’s circumstances often require us to shift and readjust.
Nurture Relationships: Love requires investment. Prioritize connections that uplift us.
Cultivate Hope: Hope fuels our journey through challenges, giving us the strength to persevere.
Embrace Gratitude: Cherishing life’s blessings fosters a mindset of joy and fulfilment, even amidst struggle.
Dear readers, achieving balance may not be about flawless execution but rather about embracing the beautiful messiness of life. It’s a dance of inner peace cultivated through love, faith, and hope, a journey worth every stumble and sway.
As we navigate our unique lines of existence, let us embrace the art of balance—not for perfection, but for the profound learning and growth it brings.
After all, as the proverb goes, “Balance is not something you find; it is something you create.” In this dance of life, we are all artists, shaping our realities, hoping to find that sweet spot where joy, peace, love, faith, and hope meet.
As we journey together, let’s cultivate the ART of BALANCE in our lives, holding each other accountable, reflecting on our purpose, and cultivating a life filled with meaning, serenity, and connection. Here’s to a year of purposeful BALANCE and heartwarming experiences!
QUOTE PHOTO:
Victor HugoQUOTE:
‘To put everything in balance is good, to put everything in harmony is better.’ ― Victor Hugo (1802–1885). He was a renowned French Romantic writer, poet, essayist, playwright, and statesman. Over the course of a prolific literary career lasting over six decades, he produced works across a diverse range of genres and styles.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
