I do exercises - four every day of the week to increase balance, and four more three times a week, to increase strength. This is part of a program started years ago in Australia called Stepping On.
One of the daily exercises is to walk an imaginary tightrope.
This has gotten me fascinated by actual tightrope walkers - the people who risk their lives, and sometimes lose them - such as Karl Wallenda of the famous Wallenda family, who fell to his death at age 73.
And then there is the true story of Philippe Petit, who (illegally) walked a wire between the two towers of the World Trade Center, the same towers that so tragically were destroyed by terrorists on September 11, 2001. I warn anyone who is still disturbed by images of the towers not to watch the following video.
Our world is so different now, in those 41 years since this walk happened.
Since I started the exercise program in May, I've walked that imaginary tightrope daily. In my kitchen. At work, during lunch. At my mother in law's house. Outside. I can walk that imaginery tightrope now without holding onto something - but not for long.
I was warned, it would be a long road.
Now I read Philippe Petit's story, and marvel - he is older than I am.
Where did I go wrong? Will I ever be able to walk a straight line? (I don't think I would ever dare a true tightrope.)
In the meantime, every day, I dream of better balance.
You will get there! I have no issue with heights when I'm on solid ground, but the thought of tightrope walking makes my stomach do backflips. Better him than me!
ReplyDeleteI would never go even a few inches above the ground - but the thought of an inch or two up - it does intrigue me, if I can ever get to that point.
DeleteI remember watching Man on a Wire and being amazed. I am not fond of heights and it is difficult enough to walk with one foot in front of another for any distance without losing one's balance. Just hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI will, Denise - although I haven't done my exercises yet today. Time to get off the computer.
DeleteI know some fitness trails have a beam that you walk for balance. It's on the ground, fortunately.
ReplyDeleteOur local exercise trail is closed for repairs right now. It is some 20 years old and not in the best repair. I hope they do restore it - I might just check the balance beam out, if there is still one.
DeleteTightrope walking is cool--if it wasn't so high up.
ReplyDeleteLol, that's why it is cool! Not that I would ever dare it high up!!
Deletekeep at it, you will surely get there...
ReplyDeleteThe tragic stories of the tight rope walk scare me...so much pasion and resolve is needed for these things
Thank you for your encouragement. It is amazing what the tightrope walkers have to do to practice their craft.
DeleteI didn't realize it would be so hard to walk a straight line. After all, that's how the police checked a motorist's state of intoxication once. I don't know if they still do--I don't get out much. I can't walk a straight line because my hips are too painful. But, I think I'll give it a daily try now you've set the example.
ReplyDeleteThere's a reason why I don't go into in depth descriptions of the exercises - I honestly don't want anyone to try these and get hurt. It's an excellent program and not that many counties in New York State offer this -but we had physical therapists and trained nurses teaching us. It isn't a do it yourself project.
DeleteMy junior high nightmare was having to walk a balance beam. Almost failed gym class because of it. But I am looking forward to seeing "Walk", I remember when Petit walked between the towers.
ReplyDeleteI do also. It was a couple of months after I moved from New York City (I grew up in the Bronx). The summer before, I had worked near the World Trade Center, which was still being finished up. I used to do my weekly banking i there.
DeleteBalance is what we all dream of, time management, and other organizational methods is all about helping us find balance.
ReplyDelete