Balancing sequences

Balancing flows might not be everyone’s favourite and honestly, I can understand why. It’s easy to feel frustrated when our bodies wobble or when we tip over from a posture we want to hold. But let me show you in this post why they can be truly rewarding. I bet that by the end of this post, you’ll fall in love with balancing sequences and find that they become some of your new favourites!

Embrace the wobbles

Balancing postures offer us an incredible opportunity to learn and grow, not just in strength and stability but in patience and acceptance. When we wobble or even fall, we’re presented with a choice: get discouraged or get curious. What can this moment teach us? Perhaps it’s a reminder to stay present, breathe more deeply, or find softness where we’ve been holding tension.

I'd like encourage you to embrace the wobbles that come with the journey - on and off the mat. It’s important to remember that wobbles are not signs of weakness; they are an integral part of life. Each time we wobble, we engage our brains in new ways, creating neural pathways that help us learn and adapt, both on and off the mat. Wobbles are our teachers! These moments challenge us to be present and cultivate resilience, which ultimately helps us navigate life’s ups and downs with grace.

Can you look at the wobbles differently and celebrate them? Each attempt at balance brings the chance to discover new strengths and insights. So, when you waver in your poses, remember that you are alive, learning and growing. I invite you to embrace the joy of balancing poses, knowing that every wobble is a beautiful part of your practice and your life.

Grounding

Grounding is essential, both on and off the mat. It’s about finding your stability and safety in every moment, whether you’re flowing through a yoga sequence or navigating life’s ups and downs. When we truly feel our ground, we’re less likely to panic if we wobble or fall—because let’s face it, falling is a part of the journey and almost inevitable. It’s so important to cultivate that trust within ourselves, knowing we can always get back up. So, the next time you find yourself teetering, whether in a challenging pose or in a moment of uncertainty, take a moment to return to yourself. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and gently remind yourself, “I’ve got you. I’m here for you. You’re doing exactly what you’re meant to be doing.” This simple practice of grounding can make all the difference, allowing you to embrace the wobbles with grace and confidence, no matter where you are.

Drishti

Drishti has a broad meaning in yoga, but if we focus on what it means during our class, it refers to gaze or focus. It was probably the first concept in my own practice that I implemented off the mat.

In our asana practice, we often use a specific gazing direction for the eyes to control attention. Finding your drishti or focal point, is incredibly helpful in balancing poses. Moving our drishti higher up can often challenge our balance and thus deepen our practice if we wish to do so.

What I love about using the concept of drishti is that it helps me keep my focus on my path, shutting out any external noise, such as unsolicited advice and pressure from all the "shoulds". It’s so easy to look at how others are living their lives, what their values are and to shift our attention and so our energy to them. But just as in a yoga class, when you look at others, you might fall out of the pose or lose your balance because your attention is not internal. The same applies to life. Looking at others can ultimately shake our own steadiness and grounding.

Bringing the attention to a single point and turning our focus inwards helps us cope with any wobbles that might arise from a pose or situation in life. This allows us to make changes using only our own mind and body.

If you have any questions about balancing postures or wish to share how they make you feel, please reach out. I’d love to chat with you.

To check out my yoga classes in Saltdean Lido, visit the Class page.

Viki xxx