Find Your Balance This Autumn

As the autumn equinox arrives, nature reminds us what it means to be in balance — equal day and night, light and dark, movement and rest. It’s the perfect moment to pause and think about balance in our own lives, not just emotionally, but physically too.

Being able to balance well isn’t just a party trick or something reserved for athletes. It’s what helps us feel steady when we walk across uneven ground, bend to tie our shoes, or carry a bag of groceries. Good balance keeps us safe, confident, and connected to our bodies. It’s also deeply calming — when you’re focusing on not wobbling, you can’t help but be present in the moment.

Balance itself is a team effort:

1. Your feet and ankles give you a strong foundation

2. Your hips and glutes help keep everything aligned

3. Your core steadies your center

4. Your eyes and inner ear work together to tell you where you are in space. Every little wobble is simply your body learning how to adjust and strengthen.

   
   

The good news is that balance can be trained - gently, steadily, and without special equipment. Here are a few simple ways to start:

Begin with a single-leg stand: plant one foot firmly on the ground, lift the other just a few inches, and hold for a few breaths. If you’re wobbly, use a wall or chair for support. Looking at a steady point in front of you helps, too. Over time, you can make it more challenging by closing your eyes or turning your head.

Another playful practice is the heel-to-toe walk. Imagine you’re balancing on a tightrope, placing one foot directly in front of the other as you walk forward. Keep your gaze ahead, not on your feet - it’s harder than it sounds, and wonderful for training both focus and stability.

For a bit more strength and coordination, try a small weight shift with reach. With feet hip-width apart, slowly shift onto one foot as you reach the same side arm across your body. It mimics the kind of balance we need in everyday life, like reaching for something on a high shelf.

You can also imagine standing in the middle of a clock and practice the clock reach. Balance on one leg while tapping the other lightly forward to 12 o’clock, out to the side at 3, and behind you at 6. Switch sides and notice how each direction challenges your balance in a new way.

With all of these exercises, the key is steady progress, not perfection. Wobbles aren’t mistakes - they’re part of the practice. Over time, these small moments build real strength, stability, and confidence.

So as the season turns, give yourself the gift of a few minutes each day to explore your balance. Notice where you feel steady, notice where you wobble, and let both guide you. Just like autumn itself, balance is about embracing change while finding your constant center.