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Writer's pictureColleen M. Doumeng

What does being "in balance" mean?

Updated: Sep 5, 2020

Balance - hmmm.....

What does being in balance or harmony mean to you?

How do you achieve this blissful state?


I love the advice on this subject given in a poem by Leonardo da Vinci hundreds of years ago:

Every now and then go away;

have a little relaxation,

for when you come back

to your work

your judgment will be surer;

since to remain constantly at work

will cause you to lose power

of judgment.....


Go some distance away

because the work appears smaller

and more of it

can be taken in at a glance,

and a lack of harmony

or proportion

is more readily seen.

Leonardo da Vinci

(1452-1519)


Leonardo da Vinci, Italian painter, sculptor, architect, musician, and scientist, was one of the greatest intellects in the history of mankind. He studied the earth, the sky, and the heavens. He recorded the movement of stars and drew up plans for flying machines four hundred years before the first airplane. His portraits of faces were more skillful than had ever been seen before or since. Volumes of books have been written on the magnificence of just his painting The Last Supper.

You might be conjuring up an image of a workaholic considering all his creative work that he amassed in his lifetime ~ painting, sculpting and inventing. Yet, his advice to us is to the contrary. This Renaissance man is advising us to escape from the daily routines and go some distance away to become more efficient and productive.


“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation.”

Action steps to consider to become more in balance~


Walk away from your work from time to time throughout your day ~

push your chair back and close your eyes for a moment or two and simply breathe in and out.


Step outside, look up, look around. Notice. Simply notice. Become present.

Detach from the outcome in your work and projects. Practice being in the moment by enjoying your work for the magnificent pleasure of it rather than how it may or may not turn out.

Remember, you are never stuck. If you ever feel like that simply turn the whole matter over to your “Senior Partner.” Ask for guidance. Then let go and Trust. Your answers will come.


"Balance" at the Coba Ruins, Mexico back in 2016, (yes that is me in the white with the baseball cap getting "a little help from my friends") at the top of the ruins ~magical I did it and I took each step in memory of my beloved brother, Jerry, who transitioned two weeks prior:










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