Falling Up: 3 Practical Techniques To Stay Balanced
Balance is an integral part of fitness and mental health. Often taken for granted, a loss of balance in our bodies is immediately noticeable; as in falling down with the sensation of being out of control. Ironically, the way to improve balance physically is to challenge it by a) standing on an uneven surface b), working with the physical senses as in closing one eye while standing on one leg or c) both.
I call this falling up!
Initially when you try this, you will more than likely fall. With practice, as your brain and nervous system adapt to the increased challenge, you will naturally become more stable and confident in your practice… but only if you persist.
I believe it’s helpful to practice falling up, so that when you begin to fall down ( a metaphor for life stresses, curveballs, unseen and unpredictable events…you get it), you will be physically and mentally more capable to sail through the event with a balanced mindset.
It’s easy and even fun to fall up! Here are three falling up techniques to radically awaken, balance and strengthen your body, mind AND spirit.
Start with your physical body and stand on one leg with eyes open. Once you’ve accomplished this, do the same with closing one eye and eventually work up to both eyes being closed. Practice this every day for a few minutes. You will certainly fall down and also experience falling up. This will yield immeasurable results!
Place a band or bracelet on your left wrist. When you catch yourself not being present (it will look like… texting while driving, not listening while someone is talking, stubbing your toe on your bed leg) transfer the band or bracelet to your right wrist. When this happens again, transfer it back. See if you can go a day without having to switch wrists. This amazing exercise can also work for having a) a negative thought b) being angry c) complaining etc… you decide where you’ve been falling down.
Sit in a quiet place and close your eyes. Imagine yourself sitting on a beach and lookout outward toward the ocean. Your task is create a clear picture between the sand in front of you and the horizon, with no obstruction of boats, children, animals, objects… or thoughts.
If you see an object in your path or you have a strong thought, do not react emotionally to it; just let it breeze past the viewing window of you mind until another, if any appears. You will surely mess up or fall down within your mind, but over time you will experience more innner clarity, be less reactive and be able to manage difficulties from a calm state.
Try these techniques consistently and maybe the next time you begin to fall down, you will fall up instead!
Nigel Sampson
WBM