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Sunday, February 10, 2013

Stone Balance...


“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile
the moment a single man (woman) contemplates it,
bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery


On Friday afternoon I decided to try this "rock balancing" experiment inspired by the work of Michael Grab, as I mentioned in my previous post on Focus as a Gateway.  The first one was fairly easy, taking about 20 mins, and obviously a fairly simple stack, much less precarious than the ones that Michael builds (see this wonderful YouTube video of him working). 


The second one was more challenging, taking about 30 minutes, but I managed the balance, after several fall-outs.  And 2 days later they are still standing, even after a dusting of snow, that I was sure was going to change the balance and topple it over. I built it in one of my flower tubs.  I have 6 more tubs!   I think I have a rock garden starting... :)

And here’s another angle…


I am sufficiently hooked that I want to keep building them J  I just need to find more rocks! So now I will go on rock expeditions.  I may need a little red wagon. J

It is true what Michael says about rock balancing:  “It becomes a therapeutic ritual, a poetic dance of form and energy.”  See his full explanation of why he does this and the affect it has on him here.  It shifted my mind state and frame of reference.  Later in the day, basking in the internal shift, I found myself feeling a little stoked realizing that when one is attuned, when one is internally connected, and deeply *aware*, there *is* a click, you feel the alignment of the stones taking place, as well as within yourself, you feel the gravity kick in, you feel the stones settling in, finding their place with each other, aligning the “gravity threads” as Michael calls it.   It’s truly amazing.  And I imagine this feeling is true for artists as well as “rock balancers” and “cathedral makers” J – there *is* something meditative about the creative process that brings a deeper sense of awareness *to* life, and living, and awakens an Aliveness within that can’t be explained… 



26 comments:

  1. beautiful! have always wondered about these when I see them. Going over to check out the link. and of course there is always the metaphorical sense of balance, balancing what is heavy, what is awkward and what just looks like it won't balance.

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    1. Thanks Carole, :)

      I'm finding it has a lot to do with inner and outer balance. The outer mirroring the inner, and vice verse. Also, about coming into balance internally... And incredible exercise...

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    2. PS - I meant *an* incredible exercise, as in practice, not that it is a means of exercise! lol :)

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  2. "Leaning in to the will to stop. . . " I like this. Beautiful.

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    1. PS Chris - I forgot to say that yes, I experienced this same feeling of wanting to stop when the second one fell out of balance *several* times, but there was also this sense of leaning into it, continuing, letting the stones find their balance...

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  3. As Neil Young sings it, "Keep on rockin' in the free world!" I am amazed by this fine balancing act you created.

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    1. :) Rock On! Amazed myself actually :) Maybe I've found my niche, or is that crevice...

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  4. I love this art and practice and can really spend a lot of time with it especially by the sea or body of water. It is 'centering', comforting snd challenging. Working with stone is healing. Enjoy.

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    1. Oh it would be prefect by the sea!!! Or in a creek, or pond, or lake :) Yes, working with stone *is* healing, as I'm discovering. I love getting the feel of the stones and how they work together... Thanks :)

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  5. VERY inspiring this "rock therapy" Christine... so glad you shared this! Your rock art is beautiful. :o) Happy Week ((HUGS))

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  6. When I look at the top rock, image#3, I see a female face with wavy hair, downcast eyes, is it you in the balance meditating? :~)x

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    1. OMG Sue! I didn't even see that before! Now I see two faces! One a small face with pointy nose in the middle of that rock end, that I think you are referring to. The other appears in the same rock with two eyes closed, higher up, tilted towards the rock on its right, as if it is laying its cheek on the rock.... That is sooo cool! Thanks for pointing that out! Maybe the spirit of the stone...:) But I like your interpretation :)

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    2. Actually it is the same rock you are seeing laying with her right cheek against the rock in meditation! Magical! x

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    3. BTW Been looking some more, the set of 4 rocks looks like a feminine form side ways on with her face pressed against her shoulder/wing kneeling upon the bottom stone! I may just have to draw it!

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    4. Wow you have quite an imagination! Go for it! :)

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  7. Fantastic Work . . . . Congratulation . . .

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    1. Thanks for coming by Bill and leaving your kind comment :) As a newbie stone balancer mine are not as precarious as the ones that you and Michael do. But I'm lovin' it! :)

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  8. These are wonderful. I always admire them when I see them. Not sure I have the patience. Yes, truly a meditation and a therapy of sorts. Plus an artistic accomplishment that others can enjoy. Thanks you!

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    1. Thanks Suki :) They are soothing to look at out my back window... Don't know how long they will remain standing. We are expected to get 1-3 inches of snow Friday. That may topple them, and then I'll start over :)

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  9. these are neat ... I "now" rocks / stones too...

    http://edbaker.maikosoft.com/batch_1/mvc-010s.jpg

    nice "run" via what I've so far seen of your site... will look around a bit more.
    cheers, Ed

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    1. Thanks for coming to visit Ed! Yeah, stone balancing rocks :) It sure is addictive. Although I haven't done anymore since these pics... Weather not cooperating. Love your photo of your stone/rock balance too! Reminds me of a little child sitting on a stone... beautiful!

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