The Wobble Of Balance: Exploring Darkness And Light.
“The dance between darkness and light will always remain — the stars and the moon will always need the darkness to be seen, the darkness will just not be worth having without the moon and the stars.” ~ C. Joybell C.
In a world filled with distraction and high expectation, most of us strive to find a place of balance.
Nature reminds us of its continuous ebb and flow. It’s the atmosphere’s daily mantra. Wind, rain and thunder relieve pressure and bring instability back to a proportional state.
Sometimes you can hear it whispering from behind the shadows of dusk and dawn. It’s that almost-absent space that brings a muteness only you can hear. It’s a weak pulse of energy that holds us still for a few precious moments.
Where do you find yourself in a world of imbalance?
Do you walk the tightrope that hangs high between the trees of darkness and light?
I think oftentimes we are conditioned to keep light on what’s already lit, and shed light on that which is in the dark. Mostly it’s because we cannot visually see it. Most children fear the dark, the unknown.
It’s a place where imagination has no bounds. Sometimes that fear translates into something deeper as we grow older. A hesitation, perhaps? Optimistic caution, avoidance, or maybe even curiosity?
In our own humanly defense, most of us live awake in the light and become unconscious and fall asleep in the dark. It’s a day-to-day practice that has habituated many of us. Is our common response to darkness keeping us in the dark?
Balance comes while seeking out the pieces of energy that connect two opposites, like the light and the dark. What lies unattended in the dark can be sought out and brought into our daily lives and transformed into something magical.
Finding balance in my own life often only comes when I step into the darker space, knowing and trusting that there is something there for me. It’s taking the leap, and not being able to see your feet, but knowing there is ground to stand on.
Let the light illuminate the unborn pieces of you. Allow the shy, dark corners in your world to give you the courage to open your eyes. You will see something wonderful.
Light exists because we are able to see with it and through it. We trust the dark because we have to.
Balance is the submission to uncertainty of the known and unknown, and the ability to bring two ends of any spectrum into perfect symmetry within our self.
“Balance, that’s the secret. Moderate extremism. The best of both worlds.” ~ Edward Abbey
Want to practice? Try this exercise:
Walk into a very dark room without turning the lights on. Start with a room you’ve been in before.
Normally, perhaps you quickly move to a spot you know is safe and either reach for the light or grab what you need hoping to leave without a stubbed toe. This time, don’t reach for the light. Move as slow as comfortable. Use your hands and feet to feel what’s around you. Take a moment to feel completely submerged in darkness.
Trust that it is not in the way of forward movement, but that it’s just a different kind of space. Take a moment to feel comfortable in a little bit of blindness. In those moments, as your body and eyes begin to adjust, you will find a moment of peace. An understanding, perhaps.
That is the feeling of balance. This type of active awareness will help you recognize ways to find and keep balance in other areas of your life going forward.
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Julie Gondzar is a scientist, yogi and writer living in the wide-open west of Wyoming. She encourages an inspirational and realistic approach to Yoga, natural wellness and living life to the fullest. She is an entrepreneur and the founder of Mats Down. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram.