tonight my teacher was demonstrating a new way to climb up and down stairs without tumbling down. if you say the words left or right to the corresponding foot as it is moving, this will greatly reduce the chances of missteps. And when you’re climbing up, glide like a skater to the left or the right… that will also probably help.

But somehow, I think she was alluding to a wider range of missteps that go far beyond stairways. Although I’m not sure what. But I think it’s a good attitude. Anything that demands presence has to be pretty good, I think.

what else did she show me? how to change your perspective from tunnel vision to peripheral vision. This was difficult for me to grasp. But again, I think she is probably right. And try that while standing on one foot. and then try a different foot.

And when you’re standing, to feel your whole foot on the ground. like, really focus on all the full weight of your foot (and not someone else’s) touching the ground.

And then somehow, while doing all of the above, breathing. keep breathing. don’t ever stop. because that will throw everything off. And you might find yourself tumbling down another stairway.

the real challenge is that there are always more stairs. when are there not stairs? i cannot remember a time or a place without stairs.

Which explains why I will always need a teacher.