Balance is an elusive artistry. There are multiple factors in our complex lives that are dicey to keep in the air without crashing. It was comparatively easy to fall in love when it was a full time job. But as we gradually added jobs, children, health issues, finances, extended family, community, and our post infatuation egos things got choppy. 

 

I saw a video of a lady who neither sang, nor danced, nor gyrated across the stage. She seemed almost indifferent to the audience watching her. Rather she was focused deeply on the feather and poles that she gently arranged in a graceful bough of interdependence.

 

This woman is neither young nor flashy. I daresay her calming presence came after a lifetime of struggle. Yet her keen awareness of the pivotal points inherent in each object was mesmerizing. She balanced each branch out of respect, rather than force. If you are cramped for time, I can save you the seven minutes it takes to watch. She balanced ten sticks and a feather on her head. No biggie.

 

Balance is gradually emerging in our home. We feel less frenzied about creating the perfect holiday, or giving each child a teetering schedule of sports and music lessons. If one person is flailing we might even resist flailing back. 

 

But balance does not come quickly. And it helps to ignore the audience.