Finding "balance"

Balance-
noun

1.

a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution ofweight, amount, etc.

2.

something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.

3.

mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.

Equilibrium

1. a state of rest or balance due to the equal action of opposing forces.

2.

equal balance between any powers, influences, etc.; equalityof effect.

3.

mental or emotional balance; equanimity: The pressures ofthe situation caused her to lose her equilibrium.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about the concept of balance lately, just because, right now, everything seems to be out of control. Not in a bad way, just that I can't seem to get a handle on ANYTHING.  Then, while scrubbing caked on egg off of a pan, the thinking delinquent flicked me in the nose. What if this whole idea is a sham? An illusion? What if it's just a word that makes us feel good about a terrible situation called life. A band-aid per se. Maybe it's just me, but there has rarely been a time when "life" has decided to balance its "equal and opposing forces." Rarely, if ever. In fact, come to think of it, with every variable, seen and unseen that dictates what we do and how we act on a daily basis, balance is just a nice, warm fluffy idea touted by New-Ageists that apparently have no handle on reality. Ok, yes, that sounds a little harsh, but come on now, even in the best of times, there is always a curve ball that smacks you in the temple. 

The only time equilibrium actually makes sense is in chemistry class, under very strict conditions and monitoring every variable- and even then something can go wrong. Balance is something, that if it did exist in life, is so fragile that the idea of maintaing a balanced life is laughable. I don't care what the self help books say, something will always be off when it comes time to make time for kids, family, work, hobbies, etc. In real life, it just doesn't happen.

Yes, the idea of life without balance is frightening. Why? Because balance gives you the license to control your life and prioritize things. Take it from the control master- you simply can't control anything. Sure, you can influence your life, but sometimes there are just so many unseen variables involved that the only way to make it through this game of life is to go with it. Ride it out. Rise above the whole idea of balance, opposing variables, and just accept that, gee, life really does happen and I can make myself feel nice, cozy, naive and then freak out when something DOES happen, or just accept that life happens. Period. No balance, no happy medium, just life.

I always find that life is a little kinder to me when I let go and stop trying to seek balance in everything. Seeking implies a biased control, which is simply unobtainable. So, what can we do, as humans constantly being socked in the head by life's surprises, welcome or unwelcome? Really, just roll with the punches and pray. Take one thing at a time, and don't try to impose your limitations or restrictions upon it. Life becomes a lot easier when you realize that you can't control it, balance really doesn't exist, and that it's all an adventure. There is no happy balance in an adventure. So, to you, life can be a carefully monitored chemistry experiment, boring, prone to accidents, or a wild ride, messy, and just accepting.