Where there is prolonged imbalance there tends to be polarization. In the physical body an energetic and biochemical imbalances result in organ systems that are either overactive and hot (hyper) or under-active and cold. In airplanes overly weighted aft of the center of gravity, instability results making the airplane unsafe.

So it is with our world’s food system. There is a systemic imbalance that is rapidly polarizing the global population. Over 1 billion people are now obese while over 1 billion people are starving. Something is awry.

Ellen Gustafson, co-founder of the philanthropic FEED bags presented an interesting analysis of this potentially devastating imbalance at the recent TEDxEast:

Systemic problems require systemic solutions. Just working on one end of the spectrum rarely results in a sustainable, balanced solution to the underlying imbalances. I recently spent time with one of the most knowledgeable and talented doctors I have ever met and her approach exemplified the balanced perspective I am advocating here.

Balancing Chinese medicine with the Western model, this doctor is like a knife salesman at a Gordian knot convention. I truly believe she can cut through anything she comes across. Recognizing imbalances is one thing, but resolving them effectively and efficiently is entirely another. The world could use a few more doctors like her!

When you see imbalance in your world, you would be wise to look at the other end of the spectrum to see if there is anything there that might give you a clue as to where the center of the matter might lie. Sometimes it takes going from one extreme to another before you can gradually make your way back the the center or balance point.

Extremes are rarely useful or optimal. Fanaticism of any type, for instance, has proven time and time again to be terribly destructive. Conversely, too much of a laissez-faire approach never got anyone very far. In a previous post we looked at the valuable statement “in joy not overjoyed, in sorrow not dejected,” another excellent statement of balance worthy of deep and regular consideration.

Take care in your life not to become an extremist. That said, be deeply passionate about all that you do. You can be passionate and be flexible. You can be dynamic yet focused and clear about your direction. As you find balance the world you center can come to rest. Have you ever noticed that? A balanced nucleus provides a stable centering point for that which naturally orients to it.

You might find yourself oscillating at times from balance to imbalance, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Were it not for such a rhythm you couldn’t walk, now, could you? Every step involves movement from balance to imbalance and back to balance. When you take care to avoid the extremes, imbalance becomes an ally and you control it, which is much better than being controlled by it!