The Art & Science of Creating Balance

The Art and Science of Creating Havens (Balance)

Let’s continue to look at how we can create the sense of a Haven in the organizations within which we work, and play. The very social contexts in which we live from day to day.

In last month’s article I discussed how the organizations that operate with a Shanker Self-Reg© approach are those we would describe as being a Haven – or a Self-Reg Haven.

Both Drs. Stuart Shanker and Susan Hopkins say Organizations where members feel each of the following are thought to be Self-Reg© Havens; 1) Safe, 2) Rooted, 3) Balanced, 4) Capable, & 5) Trusted.

Last month we talked about Safety. This month I take a look at creating a sense of Balance and what it entails.

Like Safety, it may appear that to have a goal of everyone feeling Balanced may be somewhat unrealistic, regardless of how worthy a goal it is. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t work towards that goal. Let’s look a little more closely at what it means to be in Balance or to be Balanced.

Feeling Balanced is ALL about a healthy level of energy & tension (stress). Levels that keep each other in check. You may recall we looked at these ideas of Energy and Tension (Stress) as being on the same grid with high & low levels of each determining in which quadrant that we find ourselves. See the Thayer Matrix graphic where Energy & Tension levels vary to consider where we are on each of these scales simultaneously.

When we are reflective and take the time to be mindful of the toll-taking stressors/triggers in each of the five Shanker Stress Domains, as well as to ensure that there are diverse ways for us to restore our energy levels – we can maintain a balance.

Knowing the stressors that impinge on our systems, the triggers that incite them and being aware of the resulting tension levels is important. As is knowing what we can do personally to restore our energy levels. This will help us find and maintain that balance we seek. When we are in that Balanced Zone our performance is optimized and relationships enhanced.