The Harmony Element
Balance. It’s one of those words we hear constantly. Balance your work and personal life. Balance your diet (what’s life without dessert, though, BFFR). Balance your budget. But what does it really mean? Is it about perfect equilibrium, or is it something deeper, something more personal? And what are we searching for when striving for ‘balance’ in a particular area of our lives? Are we trying to fill a void? Do we recognize that we need and/or want growth or something’s too much? Or are we chasing a societal expectation that doesn’t truly exist?
For me, balance isn’t about achieving some mythical ideal where everything in life weighs out evenly. It’s about knowing what truly matters, what aligns with who I am, and how I show up authentically in this world (what I like to call, “a ghetto and suspicious rock flying through an ever-expanding universe). Balance is less about symmetry and more about harmony—where all the parts of my life work together, even if they’re not “equal.”
So, here’s how I try to achieve harmony:
Internal Harmony
Let’s talk about internal wellness. Balance here is twofold: the health of our body and the health of our soul. Lately, I’ve been leaning more into balancing my soul—because I’ve got the physical side covered thanks to the amazing, uber-physiologically balancing NOVA products. But is that really the case?
Society might say I’m physically healthy because my “standard” blood markers are “within range,” but that’s where we often miss the bigger picture. Mental, emotional, and spiritual health aren’t just add-ons to physical wellness; they’re the foundation. What’s happening inside impacts every part of us, and proper balance starts there. When we start to take notice of that crucial element, we can begin to heal and find harmony where we want and need.
I start with being in tune with what’s happening within me—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Am I overwhelmed or grounded? Am I making space for reflection or running on autopilot?
My faith is the anchor. When I’m rooted in prayer and seek God’s wisdom instead of trying to shoulder everything alone, I find a peace that steadies me – a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). In those quiet – but often challenging – moments of surrender. And let’s be so real: none of us are wiser than God. If you’re starting your journey in faith and harmony, I encourage you to read Matthew 6:33 and Matthew 7:7-12. Seek Him, ask Him… you’ll find that God’s right there and always will be. He’ll give you the world.
External Harmony
But balance isn’t just internal. External wellness plays its part, too. It’s about the relationships I nurture, the way I care for my body, and how I engage with the world around me.
It’s about making time for the people I love while setting boundaries. I’m intentional about who I allow into my inner circle, surrounding myself with people who uplift, challenge, and inspire me while still being open to new perspectives that encourage growth. Authenticity here means being true to myself in relationships that reflect my values.
It’s also about recognizing that welcoming diversity of thought and experience can deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world... but never conform. Be YOU. Romans 12:2 tells us "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
My actions reflect the values I hold close. External balance, for me, is the outward reflection of the inner work—it’s what happens when my soul is aligned with my purpose.
Your Own Version of Balance
Here’s the thing: balance is deeply personal. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. Authenticity is key. We’re not meant to live someone else’s version of balance; we’re meant to find our own. That’s letting go of perfection, listening to what God is guiding me toward, and making room for stillness and movement.
So, what does balance really mean? It’s not static. It’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s the intentional effort to create harmony among who we are, what we value, and how we live. Balance isn’t about following someone else’s formula—it’s about discovering what harmony looks like for you. For one person, it might mean finding time to meditate in the morning; for another, it’s embracing creativity or carving out moments to connect with loved ones.
Encourage yourself and others to explore what brings a sense of alignment, peace, and purpose. It’s about listening to your body, heart, and soul, and allowing that inner wisdom to guide you. When you honor your unique path, balance becomes less of a goal and more of a practice—a way to move through life with intention and grace. It’s the intentional effort to create harmony between who we are, what we value, and how we live.
When finding my version of balance, rooted in faith, I try to remember two key verses: Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
So, show up authentically—flaws, faith (if you desire), and all—and trust that we have the foundation to steady ourselves again even when life tilts (#TheResilienceElement). That’s balance to me: a beautiful, messy, sacred journey of harmony-ish.