Systems require feedback mechanisms to remain balanced. in other words, systems need to know if it is off balance to adjust. Your automatic thermostat need to know that it is colder than the temperature set to start the furnace or heaters.
Humans seek balance, but they do not have automatic thermostats, they have a brain instead. It is the brain's function to maintain us in balance. It regulates body heat, keep our hearts pumping, control digestion, etc. Part of the brain regulates our body without any effort of our parts. That is what most animals experience, and that is how animals are able to also stay in balance.
Humans are extra aware, which gives them another dimension to these feedback mechanisms. Unlike animals, humans have the capacity for self-reflection, conscious decision-making, and abstract thought. This awareness allows humans to recognize imbalances not just in their physical state but also in their emotional, social, and psychological well-being.
This additional layer of awareness means humans can actively seek out feedback, both internal and external, to understand how they are functioning within their environment. For instance, feelings of stress or anxiety can serve as internal feedback that something in one’s life needs attention or adjustment. Similarly, external feedback, such as responses from others or changes in one’s environment, provides cues about how one’s actions or behaviors align with desired outcomes.
However, this awareness also introduces complexity. Humans can misinterpret feedback, ignore it, or be influenced by external factors such as societal expectations, which can lead to prolonged imbalance. For example, a person might persist in a high-stress job despite clear signs of burnout because they prioritize external validation over internal well-being.
To maintain balance, humans need to integrate their automatic regulatory systems with their conscious choices. This requires cultivating self-awareness, developing emotional intelligence, and creating habits that align with their physical, mental, and social needs. Practices such as mindfulness, self-reflection, and seeking constructive feedback from others are ways humans can enhance their ability to stay balanced in a complex and ever-changing world.
Ultimately, while the brain manages much of the body's regulation automatically, it is the human capacity for self-awareness and deliberate action that makes their pursuit of balance a uniquely dynamic and multifaceted process.