Today’s ThisMorningWalk inquiry: the difference between harmony and balance. I know, I know it’s a bit esoteric. Why not simply think about toast with jam or butter? Butter, btw.
I hear a lot of discussion about the quest for balance. I don’t think there is a place called balance. Life is in constant flux, so balance can only be temporary; therefore, seeking it as a desired end state is impossible.
I always look to the natural world for clues; tides come in and go out, seasons are constantly shifting, creatures are on the move, life and death rolls in and out, storms come and go. I think what I seek is not balance, but harmony.
In fact, when I was in pursuit of balance, I think I created more frustration and disappointment for myself. So, I am shifting my language to be seeking harmony in my life, not balance. Harmony instead feels softer, generous, inclusive, and beautiful. Think how beautiful the sound of harmony in music is.
So as we begin the New Year, I am walking into harmony, with harmony, seeking harmony.
har·mo·ny
/ˈhärmənē/
a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity.
bal·ance
/ˈbaləns/
Verb
keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall
Noun
a condition in which different elements are equal
Harmony is beautiful.
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
— Mahatma Gandhi
Libby DeLana is an award-winning executive creative director, designer/art director by trade, who has spent her career in the ad world. Click here to get your copy of Libby’s first published book, Do Walk. You can connect with Libby on Instagram @thismorningwalk and @parkhere.