The above quote is one of my favorites. I think of it whenever I feel I'm being pulled off center. It's a good reminder to not get caught up in the whirlwind of life's dramas and everyday trials and tribulations.  

It seems there's a polarizing effect going on throughout our country and the world: people are taking sides, with lots of divisiveness, and an "I'm right and you're wrong," attitude.  

None of this leads to balance.  Like the see-saw on the childhood playground, it seems that if one person is up, then the other person must be down.  And if one jumps off suddenly, the other person comes crashing painfully to the ground.   

Equilibrium leads to equanimity, or evenness of mind, especially when stressed. By being balanced, we come into a state of integrity.  Integrity leads to a sense of wholeness or completeness.  Something our world sorely needs right now. 

How can you find and then stay in that state of equilibrium without anyone being up or down, or getting hurt? Here are a few easy things you can do:

1. Meditation: This can be as simple as sitting still for a few minutes and focusing on your breath. Repeat the phrase, "breathing in, breathing out," with each breath. Do this when you get to your desk in the morning, or each time you get in your car. Or spend a few minutes looking at the picture above. Stare at the dot in the center and let your eyes become unfocused.  

2. Learn give and take.  Meet people in the middle, at the half way point.  Be willing to concede a point or two to bring harmony to the situation.

3. Stop looking for differences and instead look for the common ground.  Where are you similar to your opponent? What can you agree on? Focus on those things and let the rest go.

The next time you feel yourself being pulled off kilter, try one of these techniques. When we collectively learn to stay in the center, or manage to get back there quickly, we'll see a more harmonious world.