Hello all, happy winter!

The phrase “balancing act” comes from the actual circus act performed by tightrope walkers, acrobats and jugglers, and it’s now used to refer to managing different tasks, responsibilities and interests.

The cool thing about the phrase “balancing act” is that it implies action! The human body is constantly acting to balance. These actions can be microadjustments below the level of consciousness all the way to conscious behaviors. This activity can be seen in the natural postural sway that occurs when we are standing.

For humans (and other animals), balance means both stability and mobility. Too much of one and we lose the other. Balance requires balancing the two!

Above you can see some pictures of me balancing, or attempting to balance, in different ways. The difference might seem minimal in a photo, but below you can see the difference by video. In the first one I’m interfering with my balance by pulling down, and in the second one, by trying to pull up. In the last one I’m thinking about organizing myself using my Alexander directions for relaxed, easy balance.

Here are some tips and information on upcoming classes for improving your balancing act.

1. Pay attention to your ground support. It’s hard to feel balanced if you don’t feel the ground. (If you have neuropathy in your feet, a gradual exploration of sensory input can be helpful.)

2. Allow your head to balance at the top of your spine. Pulling your head back throws off your balance. (Do you do this to see out your glasses?) The front of your head weighs more than the back, so let it!

3. Identify what vertical is and bring that accurate picture into your body. It may sound silly, but habitual postures can be something other than vertical. Touching a wall or furniture can help you orient your body to up-down and give you feedback to balance without effort.

4. Experiment with balancing yourself without strain. Using tips 1-3 can help you balance better without tightening, which limits mobility and actually works against stability.

We’ll be exploring these aspects of balance and more in these classes:

Mind-body Balance with Alexander Technique (online)

Jan. 14 at 12pm MT

By donation

Find out how Alexander Technique can help you find physical and inner balance.

All the proceeds from this class go toward balance in our society. Your donations benefit the Judith Leibowitz Scholarship Fund. The JLSF provides scholarship assistance to Black, Indigenous and People of Color training to become teachers of Alexander Technique, contributing to diversity within the profession and increasing access to this life-changing work!

Better Balance Over 50

4-week course

Thursdays in February at 10:30

Lifelong Learning Center

Learn to balance without effort in everyday activities and find greater calm, presence and energy in daily life.