I've learned and have been told, that walking with one foot on the OR and one in NOR can, sometimes, crack one's psyche. Even to the point where one is non-functional; or can cause serious mental illness, and worse.

My question is: what are the signs, especially at the beginning of the process? What should one look out for?

Thank you for your thought, time, and response.

Karl

Thank you, NHT, most certainly, yes, it does help!
‘Glad to help...

Perspective is everything.
Indeed...

Then, it seems, that "imbalance" would manifest itself 
in some pretty obvious ways – 
I would think, anyway.
Maybe – maybe not.
Remember, maintaining balance requires adjustment –
so a lot depends on how one reacts to adjustment (i.e: change) ...
if reaction is strong, for example,
then balance maintenance becomes difficult,
and ‘imbalance’ becomes ‘obvious’ –
OTOH with one who tends to go with the flow,
‘imbalance’ is easier to ride out.

I wonder, to what extent imbalance might manifest as, 
say, OCD, or depression.
Just wondering out loud, really.....
Well, you know me, Green – 
I’m gonna tellya to look at your nutrition first and foremost, 
especially with regards to depression.
Rule out anything organic or biological that can be treated ... 
beyond that, I would venture that OCD, for instance, 
could develop as a cover or coping method for the sake of appearing ‘normal’ – 
(spare us the angry protests, folks – 
in this forum it’s a given that normal is relative) - 

Here's an addendum to my question: 
what are some of the more insidious and subtle signs of "imbalance?"
Truly, Green?
I would imagine that any signs would vary 
from individual to individual...
a good rule of thumb for me anyway has been this ...
when I’m uncomfortable with something,
with brutal and impeccable honesty 
I will do some heavy ‘discerning’ of the situation
and of my reactions to the situation ...
sometimes the fault lies with the situation –
sometimes with me...
either way, by discernment I get some direction.

...if any of that makes any sense at all...

=]

Ermotimos – Good to see you again. 
I hope all went well with your exams...

Nay_ho_tze you are wise. 
Thank you, kind sir... 
I try my best.
*bows*

I see her dancing with the spear in you.
What does this mean, please? 
Whose spear?  
I am most curious ...

In any case for me at least, 
imbalance is deafness to someone I call daimon eaftoύ. 
But I know he has many names.
Might you know and share some of these other names?
Often language isolates knowledge 
until a common ground can be found...

...btw, glad you’re back.
=]