BALANCE

Life is the result of the struggle between dynamic opposites.
Form & Chaos, Substance & Oblivion, Light & Dark,
and all the infinite variations of Yin & Yang.
When the pendulum swings in favor of one,
it will eventually swing in favor of it's opposite.
Thus the balance of the universe is maintained.
FIST OF THE NORTH STAR / JERU THE DAMAJA

For years I would meditate on six noble virtues: strength, health, patience, knowledge, peace, and ultimately, enlightenment. I practiced this prayer as frequently as possible, always accompanied by my Kata, breathing out over the Pacific or Lake Michigan. In my opinion these are the most important virtues in a human life. However, around a year ago, when I was feeling particularly off-centered, realizing what I had been in search of came over me like a blanket of warm sunlight.

Balance.

Though "Enlightenment" (the continued search for meaning in the world around us) remains a critical pursuit, I realized that day the rest of what I was truly seeking was optimum balance.

One of the amazing systems of nature is the built-in navigation mechanism of animals. From birds to insects to mammals, all maintain particular patterns with the changing of seasons. Whether flying south, burrowing deep underground, or migrating in search of food or water, something deep inside guides these creatures to sustainable surroundings nearly without fail. In the past we've covered how much human society stands to learn from natural cycles and systems, how simple observation of the living planet is our best guide for an enduring culture. However, a major inspiration for this entry is the interpretation and reaction of said creatures to unorthodox seasonal patterns, this season and year of great transition in particular.

Chicago is currently experiencing one of the mildest winters in its history. We received our fourth accumulation of snow last week and like the first three it amounted to about two inches and remained on the ground approximately 72 hours before melting away. The season leading up to this latest accumulation was generating a state of confusion in animals visible in Chicago, and for at least one of its human inhabitants.

One of the principle reasons I left the southwest for this great metropolis was a return to a 4 season set. A return to what my mind and body had been conditioned to understand as "normal" from growing up in a similar climate in New England. While climate change is undeniable, though it's causes are not clearly defined, the way in which different areas are affected at different times are unpredictable. No longer can you expect "X" amount of rain, snowfall, or sunshine in a particular season. After nearly 8 years of living without a "traditional" winter, I had prepared for the elements. As it turned out, I had over-prepared, I assumed, made the mistake of expecting, even depending on regular snowfall. I allowed my balance to pend on unpredictable natural events when I should have been focusing on personal balance, separate from the world around me.

Winter is one of the great settings on Earth. It provides a beautiful, clean white contrast to the other bright colorful seasons. It causes inhabitants to practice greater consideration regarding outdoor activities due to low temperatures and frozen elements. It generally yields greater appreciation for our warm homes and the people in which we choose to spend our time. It helps bring balance to some who have relied upon it since earliest memories.


But it is not guaranteed. 
There is no promise of winter.

Just as I was beginning to steam at this seasons lack of weather, I was fortunate enough to recognize the error of my ways. Snow came to Chicago, and the following day I went to see The Gray. A real-life mild winter storm in Illinois followed by a film depicting a life and death struggle against the rugged conditions of Alaska. I was reminded of the raw human connection to our planet. Reminded that our best mode is one prepared for all weather in any season.

The man who can endure the sweltering heat of summer and embrace the deep freeze of winter; the man who can appreciate the value of spring rain and recognize the beauty of ice . .

Is a man properly balanced.

One day a man was watching a professional football game on television. His five year old son kept bothering him so he took a page of the Sunday paper with a full page airline add on it with a picture of the world; the planet earth seen from space, he tore the page up into a dozen pieces and gave them to his son and he said: 'Here put this back together with some cellophane tape and show daddy how smart you are'. Then he went back to watching his football game. Within a surprisingly short time, the youngster had put the picture back together. 'Hey that's amazing', the father said, 'how did you put that together so quickly?'. And the little boy said: 'There was a picture of a man on the other side. I just put the man back together and then the world was all together'. The youngster was no doubt surprised by the warm hug he received from his father. 'That's right son, when the man's all together, his world's all together too.' EARL NIGHTINGALE