On a fairly regular basis, clients from many stages in life (health, family, employment, finance, marital, etc.) share their stories while receiving muscular treatment. Over time, it became clear that some people deal with the stuff that life throws at them much better than others. I got to thinking about these differences – why some cope so well while others have catastrophes of different proportions on a regular basis.

I reflected on the various seminars, lectures and sermons I have attended, books I have read and wisdom that has been provided whether I wanted it or not at the time. I landed squarely in the definitions of Harmony & Balance. Each word can apply to and mean slightly different things, but the gist is this:

Balance: a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc. (extinction)

Harmony:  a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity (adaptation)

For me, finding and maintaining balance is often an ongoing effort, a struggle. It requires constant attention and monitoring—it’s tiring. For many, it seems that balance means returning things to the way they were. Thoughts like, “The way I had them” or “Stop making changes to my plans.” Achieving balance takes work and effort. Giving everything equal time and attention, weighing every decision and action as to how it may enhance or disrupt another aspect of life. But balance does not mean it has to be 50/50. You can balance by adjusting the center, however, it is precarious and disaster can strike with an unexpected outside event.

When I think of harmony however, I visualize an ebb and flow that allows for shifts and changes without total disruption. Harmony allows for the unexpected outside events to be absorbed and drawn into our day. Achieving harmony takes adaptation, acceptance of change. Like yoga instructors say, “Work with the body you brought to class today.” Accepting and working with your current status means you will remain calm and harmonious even as changes occur because change happens whether we want it to or not.

Even in ecological or evolutionary terms, balance is not as important as the ability to adapt. That which did not adapt became extinct. When scientists talk about damage to environments they are always using terms like “a delicate balance.” Well, maybe we are not supposed to maintain balance. Maybe we are supposed to assist with adaptation. Wouldn’t you rather be the insect who continues to live through each age than the wholly mammoth which is now extinct?

There is always going to be someone who seems better off than you, and then there are those who look at you and wonder “why aren’t they happy?” Sure, at the very moment that a major event takes place, it is disruptive and unsettling. But if you try to restore balance you will struggle through that event. If you, however, learn how to incorporate it into your day, how the other things in your life need to temporarily fit around it, harmony returns in short order and you are more successful, more centered, more settled, calmer.

Live in harmony with the world around you and welcome the next change. It’s already on the way!

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