Balance

I read a great statement that basically said life, like wine, is all about balance. As I explore and expand my knowledge and appreciation of wine, I believe understanding balance is a critical, if not the most critical, aspect of wine. It isn’t just about the varietal – Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, etc. – and it isn’t just about the style – fruit forward, old world, sweet, dry, etc. It is about balance. When I appreciate a wine a lot has to do with the setting, my mood, the food, the time of year, the people, all the things that go into the experience of drinking and enjoying the wine. And with all that, the balance of the wine seems to be a consistent appreciation aspect of all wines.

Similarly, life is about balance as well. Do me a favor… form a mental picture of something in balance. For me, it is a point with a plank balanced on it and a ball bearing on top of the plank. The fulcrum point is a triangle, made out of titanium, polished perfectly. It is a 2D picture. The ball bearing is titanium or platinum… something steely and reflective. They start out perfectly balanced… the ball right over the fulcrum point, steady, not moving.

What does it take to make the ball move? Can you even perceive a change in the angle of the plank when the ball starts rolling? When the ball moves further from the fulcrum, the plank starts moving. To bring the ball back to center, it takes more dramatic moves from the plank; overcompensating, catching the ball as it careens from one side to the other, trying to find the way back to balance.

In life we strive for balance, at least Amanda and I do. We want to enjoy life to the full, in all its wonder and multiple facets. But, to do that, there has to be balance. One aspect can’t outweigh the others. When it does, our life is out of balance and we feel it. Contemplate this – think about the intricacies of relationships, of life choices, of career, spiritual life, family, personal growth, personal enrichment, marriage, parenting, family fun, and on and on.

Now, think back to your mental image of balance? If it is anything like mine, it doesn’t take much to start the ball moving off the center, to lose balance. It isn’t the big decisions or actions in our lives that disrupt balance; it is all the small ones. If we make a small move that disrupts balance, catch it early, the adjustments are easy. But, if we make big moves, regaining balance is harder, takes more dramatic movements, and will result in several over corrections before we’re able to start bringing it back in order.

Maybe this visualization exercise and contemplation didn’t help you; but, ever since hearing that statement I’ve been thinking about it. I feel relatively centered right now, but my desires and ambitions tend to pull at me. The imagery of balance and maintaining or keeping a balanced life really helps keep those desires in check. Plus, contemplating the balance of my life in respect to the balance of a wine adds depth and appreciation to both.