The Rock Balancer’s Guide: Discover the Mindful Art of Balance

The first mainstream book about rock balancing, combining inspiring full-colour photographs with practical guidance on how to balance rocks and, in the process, let go of limiting beliefs and find happiness in the present moment.

Rock balancing is the practice of piling up stones in natural settings, creating everything from simple towers to amazingly elaborate and apparently gravity-defying edifices. People balance rocks for fun, to challenge themselves and as a way of being mindful, connecting to nature and focusing on the present moment. This is the first mainstream book about the meditative art of rock balancing, combining technical advice on creating the structures with c. 40 spectacular colour photographs of the author's own balances, as well as guidance on approaching rock balancing as a mindfulness/meditation practice.

As the book guides you through the practical techniques of rock balancing, it also explains how to breathe properly, how to approach the rocks with self-belief, face fear and go beyond what you had previously thought to be your limits. Finally, it discusses how to let go and destroy the balances you have created, leaving nature in a pristine state. The book includes inspirational quotes, tips and step-by-step instructions for beginner and more advanced rock balancers, as well as a range of meditative exercises to do while balancing, and fun challenges, such as balance 10 rocks from the biggest to smallest, balance a rock on the top of your head and balance three rocks in an impossible way.

A rock balance is a metaphor for whatever you are trying to achieve in life - and this practice allows you to train yourself to do more than you ever thought possible.

Travis Ruskus is a professional rock balancer, artist and meditation instructor who lives and works in San Francisco, teaching rock balancing to adults and children as a meditative practice. He also makes websites and commercial drone pilot photography, but his core passion is his art and his medium is rock.