I am not a naturally graceful person. My body often feels utilitarian rather than elegant – built to get stuff done, rather than look good doing it. It’s why salsa classes have proved to be a really enjoyable – and occasionally frustrating – challenge: dancing doesn’t come naturally, and I’ve often been pushed well outside my comfort zone, so I’m proud of the way my body has responded.
I will never be a gymnast though. In fact, I actively choose sports where balance isn’t really a conscious consideration. Hockey. Running. Squash. The movements required for each are dynamic and instinctive, rather then precise or measured – and that suits my body just fine.
However, I do like a challenge. When I saw this fallen tree out in Epping Forest the other day, I couldn’t resist stepping out onto it and forcing my body into total stillness. Surrounded by lush green canopy, I tensed my muscles, curled my toes around the wood, and strived for something I don’t often have the patience – or control – to find.
Balance.
(Photos by Exposing40)
18 replies on “Sinful Sunday: Balance”
So much lushness in this picture but I have zoomed in on your back and shoulders in the first pic. The tension of balance makes everything so damn hot. You would look awesome as a topless rock climber.
I of the tension in your thighs and calves! You look great!
Ah another English person wonderful. The level of your arms is incredible and whole setting from your body to the green surrounding exudes lushness
Exciting photos… a sense of movement, even though you are standing still. The colors contrasting your body are luscious. The top photo is perfectly framed, and I like the other looks to add to the narrative.
Lovely images here. Love seeing your muscles tense!
Tip: to keep your balance on something narrow, you have to tighten your tummy muscles. That helps 🙂
Rebel xox
Wow, I haven’t walked in Epping Forest for a long time, you obviously never know what you might find there. Great photos; I would struggle to balance too!
These are wonderful! The first picture is beautifully composed, with the parallel lines of your arms and the tree. The second photo highlights the muscles in your legs beautifully. You can almost feel the tension in your toes. Beautiful!!
There is something, I have found, very wonderful and calming about getting naked in the woods. Oddly it often where I find my balance and it seems you have done the same thing
Mollyxxx
Those are absolutely beautiful photos. The green, the flesh, the poised muscles. Really lovely.
On a teeny side note, I wonder ifi after years of hockey collisions knocking you out of alignment, your body might not thank you for a trip to the osteopath? It’d help with the balance thing!
Oh these are lovely! You really captured the tension. I’ve been trying slack lining and am utterly useless 🙂
X x
Exposing 40 has such a knack, lovely photo!
You look like a sorcerer in the second shot – these are fabulous!!! Nudity + nature = glory. I find it funny that you don’t consider balance to be a conscious effort in hockey – I think ice skating requires a LOT of balance, even if the movement is dynamic!!!
So playful, so much fun
Sensational Exhibit !!! . . . and I see it wasn’t too cold that day !!!
Xxx – K
These are fabulous! I love the outdoors and being naked there.
Such great photos! The angle of the photo in the second is my particular favourite 🙂
xx Dee
Being naked outdoors is one of the most delightful things ever isn’t it.
[…] taken of Exhibit A, this is pretty much my favourite. There are some that are more wow in their setting or that are a Pavlovian bell for happy memories, but this is the one that gives me a shiver […]