But It Can Be Cultivated
A Standing Balance Sequence

Some people feel truly challenged by balancing poses. It brings them to a  frustration level that looks very similar to the head exploding emoji. You could be one of those people to the balance born, or you could be balanced challenged. We believe, in most cases, that your balance can be cultivated.

Here's a sequence we hope will lift you up and set you down in a more balanced place. Cultivating strength and placing awareness on your center will help with all things balance. Focusing on a smooth and continuous rhythm in your breath, and definitely not holding your breath, will lead toward a steadier stand. Keeping your hip sockets spacious and not compressed or overloaded while in standing balances will help keep your body from postural wear and tear. Finding a visual anchor point with your gaze will help bring steadiness to our poses.

Balancing poses truly put you in the moment if you start where you are and stay there.

Standing Balance Sequence

1. Start in Tadasana--Standing Mountain focus on the midline of your body and your breath. 5 x *
2. Raise your R heel as you roll onto the ball of your right foot, keeping your hips level 5 x
3. Place the sole of your R foot onto the front of your left ankle keeping your focus on your center 5x
4. Bring the sole of your R foot onto your shin, clasping your R knee with your L hand. R hand can rest on our hips or sacrum 5x
5. Clasp behind your thigh or in front of your R knee with both hands. Or you can use a strap 5 x
6. Return to the bent knee twist on the R side. 5 x
   (Optional: extend your R arm behind you at shoulder height with your fingertips or palm of the hand facing the wall behind you.)
7. Place the sole of your R foot in front of your ankle 5 x
8. Return to Tadasana
9. Repeat on the opposite side.

Tips:
Rest between poses when needed.
Shorten the number of breaths in each pose until you build the strength and stamina to be on one leg for the entire sequence.
Use a chair or the wall for support, if helpful.
Modify any of the poses as needed.
Try and keep your hips level as you shift into each new balance pose.
Keep your breath flowing. Be aware not to hold your breath.
Try not to become rigid, but instead respond to the ever present, tiny fluctuations of movement.
Keep your eyes focused on the floor in front of you or on the opposite wall.
Focus on the midline of your torso and your inner leg line.
Keep your torso lifted and your standing leg engaged, and don't rest in the pose with the hip of the  standing leg thrust out to the side.

* x equals the number of Ujjayi breaths