Asymmetry, Compensations & Gravity

And What They Have To Do With Performing

While a body appears generally symmetrical on the outside, the inside is another matter. This can be observed in the difference between the left and right domes of the diaphragm, the right lung having three lobes as opposed to two on the left, and the location of the liver just below the right diaphragm. I could go on but you now have some context of the internal asymmetry. If you want to know more check out the section on ‘Asymmetry’ in this Postural Restoration Institute TM article.

These natural asymmetries result in compensations by soft tissue and the skeletal structure. One common compensation is posting or standing on their right leg.

Posting on the right leg. Notice my left leg is bent.

I will have more to say about this, but start by checking out your habits when you play, wait, or just hang out. Three ways to investigate your tendency:

1. Where do you feel the weight is distributed in your feet?

   1. Equal left & right?

   2. Distributed through the tripod or concentrated in a certain region of the foot?

2. Check out how you look in a mirror or video with the sound off.

   1. What do your legs look like?

   2. Are you posting on 1 side? 1 side more than the other?

3. Pause as you play/sing a challenging passage and check how the weight is distributed through your feet.

Compensations pull us up away from the ground causing us to work against gravity. This results in all movements becoming more effortful. Virtually every element of music-making is affected including trouble with coordination, and awkward movement to name two.

GOOD NEWS!! Now that we recognize the inherent asymmetries that lead to compensations and our struggle with gravity we can make challenges to balance them out and play, sing, and move working with gravity. I have included a link to a great example of what I am talking about…

Hilary Hahn Working Well With Gravity

This week notice your standing habits. BIf you finde curious…