I know this post shall sheet resistance. It negates prevailing beliefs that real life is living a balanced life like family-work balance. You may say that I lost my head to write this post.
Water is the basis for all living systems without which no living system shall survive. The paradox is that water itself is imbalanced in its structure. The water molecules on the surface are not surrounded by other water molecules above them. Water molecules on the surface lack balance and so they pull downwards. This explains the surface tension phenomenon of water. This tension makes water that gives life and without which no life shall be possible.
The paradox is that the imbalanced water gives balanced life. If water were balanced, no life shall be possible. Water forms about 60% to 70% of human bodies. Therefore, our bodies are imbalanced.
I hear calls that we need to be always in balance such as life-work balance. We know this is not realistic or an unattainable SMART goal. The demands of work are pressurizing us to do more in less time. We spend a minimum of eight hours at work and some time commuting. We need to sleep for about eight hours each day. How much disposable time is left for the family? With mobile phones, even family members are busy scrolling the internet and exchanging messages with their friends.
We are moving away from social interactions and replacing them with messages. In summary, we are drifting away from living balanced lives. This may stress us because we are chasing a goal of balanced lives and we find that we are being more distanced from achieving it.
The problem is that worrying about keeping life-work balance is stressing and pushes us away from our balance and is an energy-drainer.
So, is it plausible to change the question to how can we make use of our imbalanced lives? The imbalanced water gives life. Can we be creative enough to use this imbalance to better our lives? Can we turn the tension to our advantage? Water tension is what makes life possible. Can we do the same with our tension?
Ali,
Really love your thought process here!
I struggle with the words balance and imbalance. Is balance considered 50/50 with no wiggle room?
The definition of imbalance is: “lack of proportion or relation between corresponding things.” And it feels like imbalance has such a negative connotation…and 50/50 feels much too structured for any formula that requires living this human life.
Appreciate this ‘think tank’.
Grateful for you!
To understand and gain wisdom one needs to ask questions and deep ones as well.
Your questions are superb Carolyn.
In chemical reactions balance does not mean 50/50 and it could be 90/10.
Fairness, equity and balance do not always exist together.
Sp is life I find the same applicable.
I appreciate greatly your comment