If I wanted to balance a long stick on just one finger, I would use trial and error.
I would guess and place my finger at a center point, catch it when (if) it tipped, readjust my finger, and repeat until I had it.
If you want to maintain your emotional center, following the same, simple formula might help.
First, get a gauge on which emotional direction you’re tipping. Then, identify the emotional opposite. And, like when you’re trying to balance a long stick on your finger, adjust until you find equilibrium. Some examples:
- When you find yourself tipping towards anger, balance yourself out with good humor.
- When you’re tipping towards frustration, balance in sources of satisfaction.
- When you’re feeling sad and gloomy, incorporate some sources of joy and good cheer.
But, not too much of the opposite, of course, because then you’ll tip in that direction instead.
Having too much of a good thing can cause you to emotionally lose balance all the same.
As Aristotle famously suggested, shoot for the mean between extremes.
Where you’re neither overly sensitive nor senseless, but aligned, aware, and at peace.