Balance

There is an old Hassidic story that suggests that striking a balance helps us lead a happy and contented life, ensuring us of growth as an individual and securing our mental peace and well being. It goes something like this –

A rabbi was passing through a village on day with one of his students when he was suddenly approached by an elderly man who asked, “Tell me, rabbi, how can I get close to God?

“Have fun, enjoy yourself, have a good time, praise our Creator with your happiness,” the rabbi answered, and continued on his way with the student. 

A little while later, the two came across a young man who posed the same question, “Tell me honorable rabbi, how can I get close to God?” 

“Do your best to stay away from entertainment and enjoyment,” the rabbi replied this time. 

When the young man had gone on his way, the perplexed student turned to his rabbi and asked, “why did you give those to me in two different answers to the question of how to get close to the creator?”

“A man is just like a bridge without a railing that spans a deep chasm,” the rabbi said. “If someone is too close to the right, I tell him to veer left. And if someone strays to the left, I tell him to move to the right. The edges keep us from the correct road.” 

Indeed, if we are able to strike a balance between the different facets of our life, we gain a perspective that can help us make better decisions, achieve a sense of calm, and the ability to see the big picture again. We are able to see the entire map of where we are going and appreciate the distance we have come and see how far we still want to go. Taking time for balance and taking time to smell the flowers is a very important part of being the best person we can be.