Balancing Acts

Robin Battison

Homeostasis as we learnt in biology class, is the ability of an organism or system to maintain a relatively stable internal environment by adjusting its physiological processes in response to changes in external or internal conditions. This allows the organism to function optimally and survive despite environmental fluctuations.

Physiologically(physiology is the study of the body's normal functioning), homeostasis helps maintain body temperature, blood glucose levels, and other internal conditions within a specific range suitable for the proper functioning of the body's systems. Imagine a thermostat that regulates a room temperature to neither too hot nor too cold. 

This balance of things is crucial for the survival and proper functioning of living organisms by ensuring internal conditions are “just right” and optimal for cellular activities. Without which cellular activities are disrupted by changes in their environment and would spell doom in the form of dysfunctions in organ function, disrupted biochemical reactions and if not checked kaput- death.

It's foundational to how the body functions and its ability to ward off environmental challenges. 

You were probably wondering where I’m going with this “unsolicited” refresher. I called one of my longest friends a few days ago to say happy birthday and while on a video call, she said something that reminded me of homeostasis. (Don't ask me how my brain draws weird parallels and I don't bother about these tangential connections anymore). 

She told me that for the first time in her life, she feels a sense of balance, and contentment and is very happy with her life. I was a little envious because I often wonder if all that is aspirational; when everything in your life feels just right.

It reminded me again of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and what is now called The Goldilocks Principle derived from the children's story. Where after tasting Papa Bear’s too-hot porridge and Mama Bear’s too one found Baby Bear's to be just right.

The Goldilocks principle, also known as the Goldilocks zone or the Goldilocks effect, is a concept that suggests that for a particular outcome to occur, certain conditions must fall within a specific range, neither too high nor too low, but "just right." This principle is often used in various fields, such as astronomy, biology, and environmental science.

We all have times in life when we find ourselves at extremes of situations, like homeostasis and in the spirit of nature knowing best, we can't sustain life in those zones. We will combust. Combustion could be literal death, illness or being alienated from all things we hold dear.

Both homeostasis and The Goldilocks Principle involve maintaining a state or set of conditions within a particular range or zone that is favourable or optimal for a specific process or system to function properly biologically or scientifically and in our daily lives.

How do we find a “just right” zone of contentment, balance and stability in our relationships, work, and health? How do we adeptly manage and recalibrate when we find ourselves in extreme situations?

I probably need to call my friend again to be let in on the secret. I know it would be individual to each person’s situation but still….. I will let you know what I garner.

Keep going,

Ije