Many Mistakes Mages Make: Finding the Right Balance

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, all play and no work makes Jack a mere toy." - James Howell and Maria Edgeworth

Most of the spiritual arts that we've seen (which, admittedly isn't very much) have a big emphasis on finding "balance" to get anywhere with them. They say that wants, needs, desires, and values are obstacles to learning. The idea of "balance" means having a center and being grounded. It means being in a mental state that actually supports an inner peace to begin with.

The thing about balance is, when you simply remove the weights and values from one side of the fulcrum, the other simply collapses. Removing all comfort and fun from peoples' lives only leaves effort and suffering. There are some who can handle that kind of life, but most people these days, don't. The stresses in life also often have long durations and aren't easily shaken. This sort of thing simply must be part of the discussion, just as much as the comforts are.

That's what finding balance is; accepting that there are things on both sides. Comfort balances Stress, and sometimes morale can make or break a person on any given task, too. It just makes more sense in the long run to consider both.