Balance

A few months back, when teaching us the Nervous System Unit in Biology, my teacher informed us, as a side note, that we actually have six senses. ~ Balance, the often-missed sixth sense. ~

Intrigued, I promised myself to write a post. ~ Now, nearly half a year later, I am fulfilling that self-promise. ~

Balance is actually sensed through the ear. Semicircular canals as well as the utricle and saccule help us determine dynamic and static equilibrium. ~ These send messages to our cerebellum, which coordinates our movements. ~ Not surprising, then, that when we're on dizzying roller coaster rides, our head begins to hurt, complaining to us about the atrocious environment our body is being subjected to. ~

But on a higher level, balance is also a sense which keeps us centered. ~ "Extremes [...] meet. For the good reason that they were made to meet." (Mustapha Mond, from Brave New World.) ~ Without balance, we would always be at an extreme, straining upwards, downwards, sideways. How can we live that way? ~ Therefore, finding balance is key. Though it might sound cliché, balance is the essential component of any healthy lifestyle. ~

Balance is also, in a way, acceptance. Accepting you might have to give up the fight for extremes, the competition. Accepting peace. ~ Balance does not mean you give up; it merely means you find where you're most comfortable, most at ease, and keeping that place with you in whatever you endeavour. ~

Finally, balance can bring contentment. ~ Not necessarily happiness - that is an emotion which is usually felt at extremes. Though happiness is stronger and more fulfilling, it is also non-lasting. ~ On the other hand, contentment is the less grand version of happiness, the emotion we often under-appreciate. ~ Contentment is the more sweet-smiled, gentle sister of happiness. It also sticks around longer, soothing your body, like honey, rather than bringing instant gratification, like candy. ~

So look for the less glamorous balance today. ~ Listen to some soft music, sip some of your favorite hot beverage, and study for finals. ~ There's no need to scope out an extreme, when balance is right around the corner. ~