Learn to Rock Balance in One Minute
THE TRIANGLE METHOD
The triangle method is an easy way of balancing one rock on top of another.
1. Select two rocks to balance
Select your first two rocks, trying not to think about it too much. You’ll need a rock in your hand to get to the next step.
2. Find the triangle
At the point where the two rocks touch, there needs to be a tiny triangle of balance, making three points of contact. To balance the first rock, roll it around in a triangular shape until you feel those three points of contact. These are the foundations of the balance. A triangle is the strongest shape, because any added force is distributed evenly along its three sides.
3. Let it “click” into place
When the rock is fully balanced, you will feel it physically “click” into place, like a handshake with the great spirit. Hello old friend!
4. Apply pressure
A great trick when building is to press down on top of the last rock. Tap gently to feel where the balance is the strongest. The strongest point will easily be able to withstand moderate pressure.
5. Add more rocks rocks
Now start balancing more rocks on the first one. Place the next rock exactly where you pressed your finger down.
6. Keep going
Keep building upward with this method until you feel like you have accurately expressed yourself in the moment.
7. Stop at the golden moment
Maybe it takes 15 rocks until you are satisfied — or maybe placing just one rock will be enough for you. When do you know if you have enough rocks? That is entirely up to you. The last rock at the top of a balance is the one that makes you say, “I am happy with this. This is enough.” That is the golden moment.
BONUS TIP: Perfectly Imperfect
If you are striving for the perfect balance, remember that nothing is going to meet all your expectations. It’s better to push an idea 85 percent of the way and let go, than to push it 99 percent — and then never be able to let go. The balance needs to be able to stand on its own. We need to believe in ourselves enough to pick up the first rock, but also know when to let go and accept the balance as finished.
The mindset of “just one more” shows we are never satisfied with what we have. There will always be a need for “just one more” in order to be happy. If you fall into this trap, be aware of what you are asking of yourself. And remember: the “perfect” balance doesn’t exist.
The Japanese have a word for the beauty of imperfection. They call it wabi-sabi. This concept is based on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The curves in a tree as its branches grow out into the sky is perfect in its imperfection.
Just as each one of us is as beautiful as a tree, every balance is beautiful in its uniqueness. Never before has that exact balance existed, not will it ever again. It is transiently beautiful. Perfectly imperfect.
BONUS TIP: Keep a Beginner’s Mind
As you create your next balance, notice how you are feeling. Right now the future is uncertain and unclear. You are finding your way. Instead of running from this feeling, embrace it. This openness is the gift of the beginner’s mind.
Try to remember this feeling because the more you practice something, the more you start to know about it. You will learn subtle techniques and advanced movements that you would have never been able to do in your first balance. As knowledge grows, it can become a strength, but also a trap.
The humble feeling of beginner’s mind is a fresh sense of possibility. Like the warm sun on a cold morning. If you start to get saturated in doubt or frustrated with your current balance, drop the crystals you are using and pick up completely new ones. The new crystals will offer you a fresh perspective, which will then refresh your beginner’s mind.
Thanks for reading! Peace to you.
Share your thoughts with me in the comments. If you want to make peace a daily habit, check out my book/course: The Rock Balancer’s Guide.
Travis Ruskus
Rock Balance Meditation Artist
Email: studio@travisruskus.com
Website: www.rockbalancersguide.com
Learn: The Rock Balancer’s Guide
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