HomeInspirationFlow & equilibrium

How do flow and equilibrium create either dynamism or stagnation in nature and within our inner state? VICTOR KANNAN explores these ideas, to explain how we can remain dynamic and at the same time maintain harmony and balance.


Without a difference in atmospheric pressure there is no breeze. Without a difference in height there is no vista. Without a difference in level there is no water flow. The greater the difference, the greater the force in the flow and in the resulting noise, destruction and also awe-inspiring magnificence.

But, the law of equilibrium states that all things seek and tend towards equilibrium or a steady state. So, what is it that is consistent in these two phenomena of flow and equilibrium?

While it is clear that flow indicates a natural tendency towards equilibrium, how does the principle of equilibrium not lead to stagnation? When we think of the opposite of stagnation, the idea of dynamism comes to mind.

For example, let us think of comfort. A person in the jungle feels cooler in the shade. A city dweller in the shade feels cooler in an air-conditioned space. The level of comfort experienced by each of them is a state of equilibrium. In absolute terms, however, they are different.

So, the process through which an object, individual or knowledge flows between two states of equilibrium may be explained as dynamism. Ironically, the state of equilibrium may also induce us to be comfortable and thereby lead to stagnation. In other words, anyone maintaining status quo may be considered to be in a state of stagnation. Hence we have the common urge to get out of our comfort zone to grow and expand.

Let us explore how we can choose dynamism over stagnation.

For this discussion, nature all around us will be called external nature. Thoughts and actions, moods and feelings, attitudes and behaviors, intuitions and inspirations, health and sickness, etc. will be called internal nature.

There is a constant flow from the internal to the external, and vice versa. This is called interaction. This interaction can be classified as reaction or response; observation or wonderment; activity or involvement. When there is ease and resonance in the interaction, for example, working well with people and circumstances, we say there is a good flow. This flow creates harmony and a state of equilibrium.

The equilibrium established between the internal nature and the external nature may be called ‘peace’. This peaceful state gives room for positive creativity, and this positive creativity begins a flow towards the next level of equilibrium and peace, and so on. This gives the idea that peace itself evolves in its quality and level, through flow and successive levels of equilibrium.

In contrast, if we enjoy this state of equilibrium, we settle into stagnation.

To engender dynamism, aspiration is necessary. Aspiration is the bridge that connects the different states and creates a flow similar to the breeze that evens out atmospheric pressure, and the force of gravity that evens out the level of water.

So, acceptance of differences, and aspiration for noble heights, maintains the flow through successive states of equilibrium. This is dynamism.

This is the crux of individual growth, inner evolution: involution.

To get on with it is an adventure, an inner adventure: in venture.



Article by VICTOR KANNAN



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