the balance of being
How to Find Calm in an Unbalanced World
Rudolph Nureyev’s jumps embody balance as a dynamic harmony of strength, precision, and grace. His ability to defy gravity with perfect alignment reflects physical mastery and mental and emotional equilibrium, creating the illusion of effortless perfection.
"Next to love, balance is the most important thing."
— John Wooden
Change is a must.
In today’s fast-paced, image-driven society, achieving proper balance has never been more challenging. We live in a world that often prioritises beauty above all else, with trends of overinjected faces, exaggerated implants, and distorted ideals dominating social media and popular culture. While aesthetic enhancements can be empowering, an overemphasis on external appearance often neglects the importance of physical and mental health. Science shows that physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected, and focusing on one element while ignoring the others disrupts this delicate balance (World Health Organization, 2014). True beauty radiates from a foundation of health and harmony, where the soul, mind, and body align.
To find calm in an unbalanced world, the first step is to shift focus from unattainable ideals to nurturing overall well-being. Studies have shown that regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, and sleep hygiene improve physical health and reduce anxiety and depression (*Hofmann et al., 2010, Psychological Bulletin; Erickson et al., 2011, PNAS). For instance, a consistent morning walk or a few minutes of meditation can help ground us, quiet the noise of societal expectations, and reconnect us to our inner selves. Balance begins with small, intentional habits that promote health, beauty, and a sense of soul as interconnected elements. When these aspects are aligned, we feel more centred, confident, and resilient in the face of life’s pressures.
Creating this balance also requires redefining beauty—not as perfection but as authenticity and well-being. Research shows that individuals who feel mentally and physically healthy often perceive themselves as more attractive, regardless of societal standards (*Grossbard et al., 2009, Body Image). This shift in perspective can help combat the overemphasis on external aesthetics and encourage a more holistic approach to self-care. By adopting a balanced perspective, we can cultivate a healthier and more compassionate view of ourselves and others. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and image-obsessed, balance is not just an ideal—it is necessary to find calm, cultivate confidence, and live a fulfilling life.
References:
World Health Organization. (2014). Mental health: Strengthening our response. WHO Reports.
Hofmann, S.G., Sawyer, A.T., Witt, A.A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 136(5), 539–559.
Erickson, K.I., Voss, M.W., & Prakash, R.S. (2011). Exercise training increases the size of the hippocampus and improves memory. PNAS, 108(7), 3017–3022.
Grossbard, J.R., Neighbors, C., Larimer, M.E., & Lewinsohn, P.M. (2009). Body image and health behaviours: Associations with self-esteem and mental health. Body Image, 6(2), 117–123.
Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C.H., Potts, H.W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009.