Balance and the art of focus

It was actually in the shower after my run, rather than while I was running, that I had my idea for today's blog post.

I've noticed when doing post run stretches before, and this morning I was balancing on one leg washing my other foot, that focusing my eyes on one point allows me to stay balanced whilst standing on one leg.

If I look around I will lose balance and have to put both feet down or fall over.

Losing balance in life creates a danger of becoming stressed. It's rather like that feeling you get on a bicycle when you know you're going to fall.

Why is it that focusing on one thing should help us to achieve balance? You'd think that keeping a general view on everything would more likely lead to balance.

But here's how I think it works. If you're trying to concentrate on the act of balancing, it becomes too much. There are too many things to focus on. It all becomes too complicated.

Focusing on one thing (like the point on the bathroom wall I was using in the shower) shuts out your inner critic and thoughts of falling, and therefore helps create stability.

What one thing could you focus on today that is most likely to help you improve your balance?