Baby steps - getting from here to there.

Remember our babies who are learning to walk? (Here I stand, not falling down)

They have the drive. They have the desire. What do you suppose is the most important thing they are missing?

Balance.

Unfortunately, it’s a pretty good bet that most of us stopped paying attention to our balance a long time ago.

Balance just isn’t something we give a lot of thought to -- until we lose it!

So, let’s re-acquaint ourselves with the concept of balance.

Of course, remaining grounded and centered will be critical to this endeavor, so remember to start from there. (See Articles - Here I stand, not falling down, and Gravity might pull you down, but it can’t stop you!)

Then, as you go through your day, observe the adjustments your body must make as you move along, keeping your balance. Feel how your balance weakens if you start to rush, hold your body too high, or reach out too far.

Examine your movements and play with these subtleties. How do you feel when you are moving in balance? How does it feel when you aren’t?

You may be surprised how often we find ourselves out of balance -- or on the edge of becoming so.

Attention to this situation will go a long way in correcting it!

Centered Form – Balanced Function

A fun exercise is to stop your movement mid-stride and examine your balance. Pause and consider, "Am I balanced at this moment?"

Use these opportunities to really feel your body. Be aware of which structural alignments are solid, and which need to be adjusted.

Develop a few “go-to” balance exercises of your own, and practice them any chance you get.

Over time you may begin to see patterns in your movement. Times when your balance is "on," times when it can be improved, or times when it is just plain "off."

Pay special attention to the times we find ourselves out of balance. Notice when they seem to happen most (e.g., when in a hurry, when we are tired, or distracted).

Then, when you feel these moments coming on, be ready!

By maintaining a body that is grounded and centered and then observing and practicing our balance, we can make huge strides toward developing strong, efficient, and healthy movements!

Let this, and all our exercises, remind us to feel ourselves again, to explore our movements, and to remember the simple joy of being in our bodies!