Balancing Act Exercise
Materials Needed
Feeling
Dismissive
How to Do It
Stand on one leg and try to balance yourself. As you do this, imagine that your dismissive attitude is like the imbalance you feel. Focus on finding your center, both physically and mentally, as you work to stabilize yourself. As you find balance, visualize yourself balancing your judgments with curiosity and understanding. Switch legs and repeat the exercise, reinforcing the concept of balance in your thoughts and actions.
Why It Works
Balancing requires focus and awareness, which can help bring attention to the need for balance in your thoughts and attitudes. This physical act serves as a metaphor for balancing dismissiveness with openness.
Guided Practice
Stand comfortably and take a few deep breaths, feeling the air move in and out of your lungs. Notice the sensations in your body, perhaps feeling a sense of stillness or restlessness. Let your breath guide you as you prepare to engage with this exercise.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, grounding yourself firmly into the floor taking a few deep breaths, feeling your spine lengthen and your body settle into a stable position. Shift your weight onto one foot, lifting the other foot slightly off the ground. Notice the sensation of balance, the subtle adjustments in your body to maintain stability. Feel the muscles in your standing leg engage, the slight sway as your body finds equilibrium.
Focus on the feeling of balance in your body. Notice the micro-movements in your ankle, the strength in your core, and the alignment of your spine. Stay with these sensations, allowing yourself to experience the challenge and satisfaction of maintaining balance. Feel any emotions that arise — perhaps a sense of concentration, a feeling of determination, or even a hint of frustration. Notice where these emotions are located — maybe in your chest, your legs, or your core.
As you continue to balance, visualize yourself as a tree. Imagine your foot as the root, grounding deeply into the earth, and your body as the trunk, strong and stable. Feel the sway and bend as if you were moving with the wind, finding your own rhythm. Notice any images, memories, or beliefs that come up — perhaps a memory of learning balance, a belief about stability, or a feeling of being grounded. Let these thoughts and feelings deepen your practice, informing your sense of balance and presence.
When you feel ready, gently place your lifted foot back on the ground, and take a few deep breaths, noticing the shift in your body. Notice how your body feels now — perhaps more stable, more grounded, or simply more aware. Gently open your eyes, carrying this sense of balance and groundedness with you into your day, feeling steady and centered.