What are you working on? RM

In my late forties I started foot balancing on a ball and then got the fantasy of wanting to hand balance on a ball too. I was not a hand balancer at the time, and could not find anyone to study who hand balanced on a ball. The idea became a playful inspiration; I had fun exploring the physics and figuring out the mechanics. First I created an exercise regiment after dissecting my weaknesses based on strengthening exercises, then made the commitment to practice and prepare my body to perform a finished pose. Unlike the fast extreme sport passions pursued in my past, ball balancing became an extreme slow sport. While working on building balance and flexible-strength to support the goal, exercise time became a mirror of how important it is to stay dedicated to the work, inspired by the dream, and doing whatever it takes to accomplish the goal. 

Balancing on a ball became a self portrait; it demonstrates the determination to pass the finish line. And more than that, it illustrates a metaphor of how I try to keep my head and heart connected. It is a challenging task to keep the mind and body in agreement, wanting the same thing at the same time and doing the same thing at the same time. Getting off the ball is like any situation, where I can choose to walk away too or get back on to play. When I am lined up between my head and heart and make my choice, I find the gift of time to learn something new.