Letter From the Editor: The Beauty of Balance

Balance is an ancient concept that has influenced almost every aspect of human thought from philosophy to daily life. In the East, the wisdom of balance can be found in Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, and The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine. In the West, the beauty of balance is showcased in the stunning architecture and art of Notre-Dame de Paris, Michelangelo’s David, and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Vitruvian Man.

In today’s modern landscape, we need the art of balance more than ever to achieve inner peace and to live a happy life.

In this issue, we explore traditional Chinese architecture with its unique harmony of colours, varied shapes, and tributes to nature. We also visit the Sowaka hotel in Kyoto, Japan, where we discover its fresh take on classical principles. Situated in a modern cityscape, the hotel’s ancient courtyard features a traditional layout with all the modern amenities needed to rejuvenate mind and body.

Balance is also much needed in our homes. Vancouver-based design studio molo uses paper furniture to transform interiors into gentle, tranquil spaces. Its flexible paper products allow people to shape their environments creatively and to find their own sense of harmony.

The co-founders of luxury boutique RIANNA + NINA embrace balance in fashion by marrying classic vintage prints with colourful chic clothes that brighten our days and evenings.

New York City tea expert Shunan Teng believes the perfect way to bring harmony and happiness to friends and family is to enjoy a cup of good tea. From the aroma to the mouthfeel and the aftertaste, traditional Chinese tea can nurture our senses, friendships, and life.

Over a cup of tea, professor Tianliang Zhang from Fei Tian College in New York shares his insights into historical incidents and Chinese philosophy, teaching us how to invite harmonious relationships into our lives.

Marilyn Yang, gold medalist at the NTD International Chinese Classical Dance Competition, talks about the long-lost technique of ‘the body leads the hands, the hips lead the legs’ that Shen Yun Performing Arts is reviving today. She explains how this method makes the movements flow from the centre of the body, helping the dancers to express their emotions and techniques with greater strength and clarity.

Confucius wrote, “In achieving moderation and harmony, Heaven and Earth maintain their appropriate positions and the myriad things flourish.” When a state of balance is reached, we will easily grow and flourish.