We’re going to build upon our recent exploration of the core and move on to another of yoga’s most important teachings, balance.
As the intersections of life happens this week, balance, trust and marbles have all come together with two of my teachers, yoga super star Tara Stiles, and Brene Brown, researcher and author on the topics of shame, vulnerability and trust.
So balance…even hearing the word, what does it mean to you?
I like checking in with the formal definition of a word. Balance is a word that can be a noun or a verb. As a noun the definitions read, an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady or a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
The verb definition is to keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall.
So in yoga, and in life, staying in a steady position where your physical and mental “elements” are in the correct proportions is my intention. But what the heck is correct proportion? Is there some formula you can just plug in?
In my experience it seems that correct proportion is a moment-to-moment condition.
There is no one perfect formula for any person or any life. There is a constant adjusting to find balance so that things don’t fall down.
Here is where Brene Brown comes into the story. Brene is one of my favorite researchers and her work around trust digs deep into dissecting what truly is encompassed in trust.
Brene discovered through her research that “trust is built in the smallest of moments.” So too is balance. In physical balance, it’s building that ankle strength so when your leg lifts into tree you can remain upright. It’s building the core strength so that when you lift a leg behind you in Warrior III you feel ground and as if you could fly, steady and “in correct proportion.”
Balance is built on trust. You trusting yourself, and knowing there is always the risk of falling.
Balance is trust in yourself that you have the capability to adjust the position of your body, and proportions of your life, moment-to-moment, to create what works for you.
It’s a day-by-day practice of noticing the small moments when you choose to pay attention and readjust. Easier said then done, but something you can consciously build upon in the smallest of moments.
It’s a practice.
It’s your choice.
It’s your life.
Be well…it’s a state of mind.