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Formula for Balance
A Philosophy of Wellness
From 1989-1999 Emily was treated by and apprenticed with Elena Ávila and Linda Velarde, two native New Mexicans who travelled widely throughout Latin America to learn the ancient art of Curanderismo. The healing art and traditions of Curanderismo are passed down from teacher to student in the form of apprenticeships, and the lineage of all Curanderos can ultimately be traced back to Mayan traditions based in the Yucatán. The Mayan study of the balance in nature and the systems around them was the foundation of their architecture, understanding of mathematics, astronomy, communities, health and much, much more. The following pyramid reflects the balance they determined was necessary to maintain optimal balance within any flourishing system.
The
Indispensable
51%
The Indispensable
51%
THE INDISPENSABLE is the part of any system without which it will deteriorate and eventually cease to exist
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For example: BREATH is indispensable. A person will die without air within a few minutes.
The Necessary
26%
THE NECESSARY is the part which allows any system to function at its most basic level when combined with the Indispensable
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For example: HYDRATION is necessary. A person can live a few days without hydration.
The Desirable
13%
THE DESIRABLE is the part of a system which allows it to be joyful and creative rather than to just exist at a basic level
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For example, REST is desirable. A person can go as long as 9 days without sleep before measurable brain damage occurs.
The Excellent
9%
THE EXCELLENT is the part of the system which can bring it to its highest state and allow it to flourish
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For example: NUTRITION is excellent. A person can live weeks or even months without food if they have the other three components.