The Beauty in Balance

The still warm afternoon sun of late September was streaming through the leaves and branches of the chestnut tree from which the hammock was hung. Navigating to the center of the swinging bed can be no small feat, even for the nimble. The view from the comfort of that perch was enriched by the majesty of the lovingly designed gazebo under construction. A poorly calculated movement, however, would result in one being summarily deposited on the clay packed ground beneath the swinging perch. Enjoying the bounty of the view from the center of the hammock requires a steady balance of movements, not swaying too far in either direction. Likewise, the greatest value to a healthy life is a steady balance, maintaining position centered firmly in the grasp of physical, mental, and spiritual understanding. Like with the hammock from which one may have been dumped when not centered, a prompt deposit on the hard clay beneath as a consequence of excess or self-indulgence gives evidence to the need for balance. Leaning or swaying too far in either direction will lead to an inevitable dump from the comforting position with its peaceful and pleasant view. May none be discouraged as we all strive to maintain that peaceful and balanced center.