The Myth of Equilibrium

One thing that has always intrigued me is the idea of trade-offs. And then, the economic concept that all things tend to their equilibrium in the long run.

Now, drawing this analogy to human life—the element of irrationality is seamlessly ingrained in our mindset. Add to that the lures and distractions of life—wealth, fun, desires. How can one be expected to return to equilibrium? And what is ‘equilibrium’ anyway?

I perceive equilibrium as balance in life priorities. Deviations, yes, but not extreme ones—from habits, routines, work, health, or mindset. But does such a thing truly exist for humans? Even economists speak of a ‘new equilibrium’. Our lives too, may have ‘new equilibriums’—but are they really balanced?

As a kid, I was an introvert. I had thoughts, deep ones, but rarely expressed. Then suddenly, I could talk to strangers, start conversations. I hadn’t exercised a day in my life until I turned 17. And within a few months, I was a cyclist. In a year, I could clock 100 kms and still run a full day after. A new equilibrium of stamina, perhaps.

But if I zoom out, none of this was balanced.

My studies suffered when I became a cyclist.

My career took a hit when I fell in love.

My happiness dimmed when I chose the debt route to build future wealth.

So maybe, it’s best to forget the idea of equilibrium—whether in economics, stock price trends, or watching a drunkard swing sideways walking back home. Or me. What we call ‘equilibrium’ is just a moment of acceptance.

The pursuit of balance is overrated.

What is consciousness, after all? The kind Buddha or meditators speak of. If I’m conscious of now, that’s reality. But if I’m lost in thoughts—then memory drags me into the past, and expectations into the future—and there arises the illusion of equilibrium.

I’vI’ve never defined a goal.Goals, I feel, are crafted to sell ourselves to the world.My grandfather once said, “Your hard work and your earnings should be a secret.”y-three years after he passed, I now understand what he meant.

Goals are just desires dressed up in language.

Did Buddha set a goal to be enlightened?

I’ve found that all my shifts—becoming a cyclist, becoming expressive—happened spontaneously. Unconsciously. If I were truly conscious at that time, I wouldn’t be writing about them now.

Spontaneity is presence.

It’s detachment.

It’s acceptance.

And yes, the more conscious or hyper-aware we become, the less we grow. Paradoxically, growth is born in unconscious, instinctive moments—not deliberate ones.

Concepts like planning, goal-setting, and equilibrium?

They’re sold to us by consultants.

Letting go of them might actually be the doorway to joy.

How?

By being submissive to your gut.

Listening to your instincts.

Acting without overthinking.

Being a participant, not a planner.

And if there’s pain or doubt, allow yourself to feel it. But let it stay within.

Observe it. Train for your instinct.

Because if you do that well enough, intellect follows.

Just enough to look back and connect the dots.

Just enough to write something like this.

Love instinct. Live and train for it.

When done, you have intellect to write what I write here.

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