I'm still standing!

While many of the ideas we have examined are complex and dynamic, perhaps none is as multidimensional as balance.

Physical balance is a foundational skill. It directly effects our movements, our abilities, even our peace of mind.

But balance can be applied across the board -- to activities as disparate as walking a tightrope, to following your breath.

We could discuss balance for a long, long time! 

While we can (and will) discuss balance and its “multifacetedness,” for this article, we will stick its predominant implication -- physical balance.

Maintaining a balanced body is essential for several reasons.

For one, it keeps our body safely aligned and our movements strong and healthy. In routine use, good balance helps prevent the occurrence of slips, trips, and falls (a major category of personal injury).

Balance (and the awareness it generates) is also a fantastic exercise for overall mindfulness.

Try these ideas out for developing balance:

- Anytime you're standing around (in line at the grocery store, waiting for your tea to steep, whatever) is a fantastic time to practice. Use these moments to really feel your body. Ensure you are grounded and centered. Be consciously aware of what it takes to maintain balance.

- As you move throughout your day, pause occasionally and consider, "Am I balanced at this moment?" What structural alignments are solid, and which need to be adjusted?

- A fun exercise is to stop your movement, mid-stride, and examine your balance.

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!

Maintaining balance (of all types) is an important step toward the objective of this training. It will help us develop a more unified body and mind, and better understand ourselves and how we move.