Recently I’ve been reminded several times that, as I get older, I need to make sure I’m keeping the muscles that affect balance, strong and well developed – to help me avoid trips and falls.
As I see no point in denying the inevitable tendency an aging body has towards decline, I’ve started to do exercises that involve standing upon one leg. If anyone had been watching, my attempts certainly haven’t looked this graceful!
Experimenting with the different positions recommended by a range of helpful experts, I’ve realised that, as is often the case with matters of the body, balance is not just an issue for my physical form. While rather ineptly attempting not to let my wobbling turn into collapse, I’ve noticed that it’s not just about my muscles; my internal point of focus is also critical to staying upright – my formless self and my form both need to be engaged!
I won’t labour the point – try it and you’ll see.
It strikes me that this is true in life in general – we find ourselves in a range of positions, which are not always comfortable, and if we don’t find that the right focus in that position – the helpful focus for balance, we can fall and hurt ourselves. Of course, what doesn’t kill us can make us stronger … if we use the experience positively, so fortunately there is usually more than one opportunity to learn.
So, we can physically strengthen the muscles that help us balance – and it’s a very good idea to do so because all our bodies eventually decline, so they need all the help they can get. However, whatever age you are, never forget your formless self.
Take some time, whatever your position, to notice where you are focusing your thoughts, your energies, your hopes and your beliefs and learn to find the point of balance for you.
Because If you can find that sweet spot of internal focus, in every position and situation you find yourself in, you may wobble, but you’ll find balance and avoid falling over.
© Share D’All – February 2025
Tales of the Universe 