Egyptian proverb: The marksman hitteth the mark partly by pulling, partly by letting go.
Falling is devastating for the older adult and many are simply afraid that they will fall. I watch some of my students as they hang on to the chair in front of them, afraid to let go. This fear hinders their ability to live a full life. Others try to balance and as soon as they lose their balance, they give up in frustration sometimes even embarrassed at their lack of ability to balance. Remember that balance issues happen because of normal changes that happen in our bodies as we age, changes in eyesight, hearing, and proprioception. We can build muscular strength and stimulate neurotransmitters in our brains to counteract this. It is a process, not an instant achievement. If you are working on balance issues, don’t give up!
The same is true in life. In order to find balance in life, we have to be willing to let go.
- Let go of attitudes that hold you back
- Let go of low expectations of yourself
- Let go of trying to live up to the expectations of others
- Let go of your doubts and fears
Good balance, in life and in your body, allows you to react to change. As people get older, some have problems with their bodies and their lives being rigid. The fear of falling and the fear of failing seem to lead to rigidity. Fear can become absolutely paralyzing.
Picture a frail older adult shuffling rather than walking. Now, think of the wind blowing through a tree. If the tree is rigid, it will fall over in a strong wind. If you can sway like the tree in the wind, by responding to the subtle or strong changes in everyday life, you are more stable and less likely to fall, and/or fail.
To find balance, we must allow for slight loss of balance and regaining of balance. Walking is just that. We step out daring to lose our balance and catch it on the other foot. Dancing is that with even more challenges.
A fitness program focusing on increasing step length and speed is more effective at improving mobility than more static forms of exercise. This is called dynamic balance. Building strength and agility through movement that challenges balance, memory, and attention is most effective. This type of program also builds confidence and the ability to adapt to quick changes in the environment.
In order to empower stability in ourselves and others, we must let go. Let go and enjoy the dance!
