ABSTRACT
Balance is a topic with which we have been concerned all our lives despite not being circus performers, gymnasts or dancers—all of whom have an extraordinary concern with equilibrium. Direct concentration on balance, concern with tightening the appropriate muscles, may help, but the desired result is more productively gained through imagery. Breathing in at the moment of balance, a lifted rib cage and firm knees and ankles all help, but the concept of outer forces causing us to be suspended produces a far better result. A unified, harmonious sense of uplift in the body can ‘take over’ and cause the needed muscles to do their job and allow other muscles to relax as they should. If the ‘battle’ is all up to us, there is a tendency to strain and bring into play muscles which should be quite neutral.
