15: EMERGENCY EPISODE: The Pursuit of Balance When You’re Living Through War

On 7th October 2023, the world woke up to horrific news of a terrorist attack in Israel. The trauma of this attack, and the war that has ensued, is far-reaching and multifaceted. And, as I write, it is still so raw and unfolding. With the help of my friend, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, Dr Ian Moran, I have hastily pulled together an "emergency" podcast episode, to host a conversation about navigating the thorny question of how to find balance when you’re living through war. In keeping true to the concept of the blog and podcast 'A Fine Balance', where I host conversations about how people from all backgrounds and life stages balance work with other things in life, hosting this conversation felt more pressing than ever. Throughout our conversation, Ian and I explore how people can help themselves to pursue some balance when everything feels off-kilter as it does now. And how to support loved ones to find their balance too, amidst the shock, uncertainty and violence of terrorism and war. It's no wild spoiler alert to say that towards the end of the recording, despite my efforts to direct questions towards practical advice and guidance, Ian shares the weighty perspective that sometimes you just have to accept when there is no balance. For some, this is that time. There is no balance. That it's ok not to feel ok.   Nevertheless, I hope that listeners might find some comfort, reassurance, or even at the very least a distraction from the news. To find out more about Ian’s work, and the range of therapeutic support available to those in need, please visit www.doctorianmoran.com.