Balance

What is balance?
Balance is a state of equilibrium: a condition of stillness and rest. It is often defined as 'emotional stability' and 'mental clarity'. A balanced person is considered to have good judgement; a steadiness of both body and character.

Physical balance
Many people are not physically balanced. They slouch or stoop. Their gait (manner of walking) is poor. Often, an individual cannot comfortably stand on one leg.

Right hand dominates
Most people favour one side of their body. Usually the right hand side. Often the left side is woefully neglected and underused.

Left and right
There are many reasons to work both sides of the body equally e.g. muscular development, wear & tear, ambidextrous body use, coordination, increased mobility, the ability to use the other hand in the event of an accident, versatility.

Front and back
Equally common is the tendency to think about the back and the front as though they weren't opposite sides of the same body. Front and back are related.

Upper and lower
People are frequently inclined to over-reach rather than step closer to an object. This is simply a lazy habit and can lead to injury. Instead of stepping, they stretch. Stretching can be good - as a controlled exercise - but not in everyday life.

Finding balance
As a person becomes more balanced - physically and mentally - their health naturally improves. Balance is fundamental to tai chi. We become aware of what is balanced in our lives and what is not...