Nurturing Balance

Freddy Murphy

Beyond the Blues

Both ceramic bowls I will be analyzing are entirely functional, though they are cracked down the side. These cracks, influenced by the conflicts and hardships we face in our lives, represent how we can persevere through challenges by nurturing balance. Although the bowls may be broken, they are still capable of satisfying the everyday needs people have for a bowl. Similar to us, we can persevere in our lives amidst challenging situations. 

Although bowls are designed to be sturdy, when cracks appear, our view of the bowl’s utility changes. Thus, the times in our lives when we feel broken do not mean we are useless. People can have troubles, undergo hardship, or suffer sadness while still living meaningful lives. The cracks remind us that balance doesn’t mean perfection, but rather having the strength and perseverance to pursue your aspirations amidst your challenges.

The cracks also show that we should not feel pressure to disclose our issues. Covering up your hardships will make them intensify, embracing your challenges and situation, like the bowls, nurtures balance. The bowl’s cracks are part of their story, just like challenges are a part of ours. Accepting these troubles is far more beneficial for your mental satisfaction than hiding them, and although it may be difficult, that is how we strive toward balance. 

Moreover, the bowls standing side by side in the image emphasize that nobody is alone in their struggles. We must acknowledge that everyone has their own cracks; we are not perfect people. The more we strive to come together, embracing our cracks, the more inclusive we become as a society. The bowls model a life of finding strength, harmony, and peace in their challenges, something that we should all aspire to as well.

Thus, the cracked bowls remind us that balance is not about perfecting, but striving to be the best version you can be in any situation. To be balanced is to have the strength to keep going through your setbacks.

Works Cited:

Haggett, Ali. “On Balance: Lifestyle, Mental Health and Wellbeing.” Palgrave Communications, vol. 2, no. 1, 18 Oct. 2016, https://doi.org/10.1057/palcomms.2016.75.

Harvard Health Publishing. “Good Balance Requires Mental and Physical Fitness - Harvard Health.” Harvard Health. (2019). www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/good-balance-requires-mental-and-physical-fitness.

NAMI. “{OG: Title}.” NAMI, 17 Mar. 2017, www.nami.org/advocate/mental-health-is-a-balancing-act/.