In Swedish, the word lagom originates from an ancient tradition: a communal circle where a shared cup was passed around. Each person took just the right amount—ensuring there was enough for everyone while also drinking their own fair share. The essence of lagom is balance—not self-sacrifice, nor selfish indulgence, but an ever-adjusting harmony between individual and collective needs.

The meaning of lagom extends beyond portioning a drink. It signifies just the right amount—whether of food, warmth, effort, or time. And within this concept lies profound wisdom. True balance is not a static state but a living, shifting interplay of forces.

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To understand this, consider:

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• How much is too much?

• How little is too little?

• Must we first explore the extremes to discover the points of balance?

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Points, plural. Because dynamic balance is not the same as static balance. The latter suggests a fixed position, like a ceasefire—motionless, neutral. Dynamic balance, by contrast, is fluid. It breathes, adapts, responds.

Returning to the drinking circle, the balance depends on many factors: the number of participants, the size of the cup, the quantity of liquid. But beyond these, it also requires sensitivity to individual differences. A small child cannot drink as much as a large man. True balance does not impose uniformity; it honours diversity while maintaining harmony. It is an ever-changing, yet eternal, principle.

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Applying Dynamic Balance

To translate this concept into something tangible, try this exercise:

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1. Choose a field—something you have explored deeply. It could be a profession, a sport, an art, or a personal passion.

2. Identify a duality—two aspects that exist in tension.

   • In bridge engineering, it could be structural integrity vs aesthetic design.

   • In running, force vs technique.

   • In music, technical skill vs emotional expression.

   • In cooking, taste vs presentation.

   These are just examples—there is no “right” or “wrong” pairing. The goal is to sense the dimensions of a dynamic balance, where both elements matter but cannot be maximised at the same time.

3. Assess your tendencies—How far have you gone in each direction?

   • Do you naturally favour one over the other?

   • Have you convinced yourself that one is more important?

   • Is that truly the case?

4. Deepen both sides—Before seeking balance, strive for mastery in each. Only when you have fully explored both dimensions can you begin to sense the full scope of the dynamic balance. Otherwise, how could you know what is possible?

 

True balance is not about compromise—it is about integration. It is the ability to hold opposites, navigate complexity, and move fluidly between extremes without being trapped in either.

 

That is the essence of dynamic balance.