BALANCING ACT: Wisdom from Traditional Chinese Martial Arts of Archery

A friend here asked “What is the one word that describes your theme for 2024?”

For me at this stage in life after ‘walking many miles with my feet’ (my unadulterated morphing of the original phrase), I want the word “BALANCE” to be centre stage of all that I do moving forth.

There is a connection between the teachings of the Dao and the practice of archery, emphasizing the importance of balance, harmony, and the journey itself rather than the sole focus on achieving a specific goal.

In the pursuit of our aspirations, life often resembles the art of archery, a delicate dance between determination and equilibrium where balance plays a pivotal role. The Art of Archery provides profound insights into the essence of balance, urging us to reconsider the conventional approach of relentless goal pursuit in favor of cultivating a harmonious equilibrium.

The master archer teaches us that the determination to hit the target, akin to driving in low gear, may lead to strained efforts and an unfulfilled journey. In contrast, balancing the arrow of life involves meticulous preparation, ‘aligning our inner ducks in a row’ so to speak, and setting a clear target. And much like an archer taking aim, we must center ourselves before releasing the arrow.

The essence of achieving balance lies in the art of letting go, transitioning from striving for a specific goal to embracing the flow of the journey. Just as the archer releases the arrow with ease, trusting in the process, we too must release the compulsion to force outcomes. Balance emerges as we find our rhythm, align our intentions, and gracefully navigate the path ahead.

In the art of archery, hitting the bullseye is not the ultimate goal; rather, it is an outcome of balanced focus, precision, and mindfulness.

Similarly, in life, success becomes a natural consequence of maintaining equilibrium between our various roles, responsibilities, and personal well-being. It is the harmonious interplay of our physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions that leads to a fulfilled existence.

The pursuit of balance is an ongoing practice, a perpetual refinement of our internal alignment. As we engage in the art of balancing the arrow of life, we discover that it is not merely about reaching a destination but about savoring each step, appreciating the journey’s nuances, and finding joy in the process.

The Daoist wisdom encourages us to release the need for excessive striving, much like a river that effortlessly finds its way to the sea.

In the golden years, where the desire for tranquility meets the echoes of accumulated experiences, finding equilibrium takes center stage. Balancing work and leisure, solitude and companionship, and ambition with contentment becomes a deliberate act of aligning with the Dao, creating a life that flows with natural harmony.

In embracing the Dao of balance, I embark on a journey where every step is a dance, every challenge an opportunity, and every moment an invitation to harmonize with the inherent wisdom of the universe.