Roots of Balance

I’m about to tend to some leggy tomato seedlings. I’ve learned that by transplanting them into deep, narrow cups I can gradually mound soil up around the fragile stems as they grow, encouraging more stabilizing roots to develop. This process reminds me of the question I often hear from people: “How do I improve my balance?” To answer, I offer a line from the Tao Te Ching: What is rooted is easy to nourish. (Verse 64)

Think of yourself as a plant; bamboo in the wind, perhaps? 😊 What would help reinforce your stability? Deep roots. We work to establish our own energetic roots from the very start of each Qigong class.  We take a moment to feel the steadying support of gravity holding us securely onto the Earth. We feel how our bones are stacked in alignment with gravity, and visualize deep rootedness from our feet into the ground beneath us. Then, for the rest of the class, we play with the novel concept of not trying too hard. We slow our breathing, and settle into the present moment. Whether standing in stillness or dancing like a tiger, we have that feeling of calm steadiness to focus on. This is sometimes refered to as stillness within movement.  Relax. Breathe. Be present. Feel your roots. That’s how we build balance skill and confidence.  

Try applying the tomato seedling principle to your days. Whenever you feel unsteady or out of balance, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally, take a moment to feel and nourish those little roots. Fragile at first, they will grow in strength and anchor you firmly and flexibly into the moment.