Tristan Le Govic

Exercise 1: Find your balance

In standing with your feet firmly planted, let your whole body lean first forward, then slowly, as if tracing a circle, to one side, backwards, to the other side, and forward again. Make big circles, as big as you can and still keep your balance. Then let the circles become smaller, until you find a centre point, where your weight is resting slightly more on the forefoot.

Your weight should now comfortably be going down through your aligned body, within your area of balance, into the ground. This position ideally takes the least amount of energy to maintain while still allowing for both stability and potential for movement. If you don't feel you've achieved this, check your alignment again. Ask a friend to give you a slight shove on your breastbone - if you can resist it, you've found that stable, active stance.

Exercise 2: Find and stimulate your symmetry

In sitting, check your posture. Your feet should be slightly apart. Then, sway forward and backward, as if rolling back and forth on your sitting bones. Find a comfortable but slightly forward/active position. Now, press one foot hard into the ground, while keeping yourself straight. What happens? Let go. Press the other foot into the ground. Change sides a few times, challenging your symmetry, then relax into a balanced, symmetrical and active position. (Note: This exercise is from the method taught by Jacques Dropsy and is also taught in Basic Body Awareness Therapy).